Many predictions before the start of the playoffs had the Cleveland Cavaliers reaching the Eastern Conference Finals. However, they are currently down 3-1 in the conference semifinals. Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson is in danger of being on the receiving end of jokes and criticisms following a successful regular season of steering his squad to a 64-18 record and the No. 1 seed in the East.
Some Charlotte Hornets fans are probably grinning at Cleveland's predicament. It's not that they want the team to fail, but it's tough to forget what Atkinson did to the Hornets in the summer of 2022.
Three years ago, the organization was supposed to bring him in as the new head coach. Despite coming to a verbal agreement, he opted not to push through, spurning Charlotte to remain as the Golden State Warriors' lead assistant coach.
As it turned out, Atkinson still has the desire to be a head coach, joining the Cavs in the 2024 offseason. So, instead of taking on the responsibility of helping a franchise rebuild and sort of start from scratch, he apparently prefers helming an already established squad featuring a roster with several stars, including Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen.
Kenny Atkinson is on the verge of a disaster
For a while, the partnership looked like a match made in heaven, as the Cavs made their way to the top of the standings. They eventually secured the East's first overall seed for the first time since the LeBron James era. If it weren't for the Oklahoma City Thunder nearly becoming the third team ever to breach the 70-win mark, Cleveland would have had the best record in the league.
Atkinson's success may have even had the Hornets regretting the missed opportunity to have a seemingly elite coach guiding and helping develop their young players.
But now, it appears the reigning Coach of the Year is at his wits' end, as the Indiana Pacers have had Cleveland's number in the current round. Not even the typical heroics of Mitchell and having current Defensive Player of the Year Mobley wreaking havoc on the court have given the Cavs the advantage. Of course, injuries have also handicapped them. However, it's tough to argue against the notion that Atkinson has just been thoroughly outsmarted by Pacers coach Rick Carlisle.
The good news for Cleveland is that a 3-1 hole isn't as insurmountable as it once was. Perhaps Atkinson still has an ace up his sleeve. There might be a part of the Hornets faithful who aren't counting on it, though.