INDEPENDENCE — The Cavaliers will introduce Kenny Atkinson as their new head coach Monday afternoon at Cleveland Clinic Courts.
After firing J.B. Bickerstaff on May 23 coming off back-to-back playoff seasons, the Cavs hired Atkinson on June 24 and announced the move on June 28 .
Atkinson's introductory news conference began at 1:06 p.m. Here are some of the highlights: .
Cavs president of basketball operations Koby Altman said player development is Atkinson's fastball.
How will the strength help Atkinson with a veteran team?
"We're young, so it does kind of fit," Atkinson said with laugh.
Atkinson said player development is "a little bit of a buzzword," but it's simply a part of coaching. Transparency, honesty, love and care are the keys to connecting with players, Atkinson said.
Atkinson said he knows a great opportunity exists for him with the Cavs and called himself "lucky" to land the job.
Atkinson used to coach center Jarrett Allen and sixth man Caris LeVert with the Brooklyn Nets, and he said having those relationships in Cleveland is "huge."
Atkinson said he also has relationships with Max Strus, Georges Niang, Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell from coaching against them.
Atkinson said engaging in one-on-one conversations and embracing "a true partnership" is vital to coaching a star like Mitchell.
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Atkinson said he has talked to Garland several times and is a big fan of the point guard.
Regarding the viability of Garland and Mitchell as a backcourt tandem, Atkinson said, "I just love both of them together, quite honestly."
Atkinson referenced the Cavs' "core four" by saying they have four All-Star players and he's in Cleveland to make the group work.
Atkinson was asked how he'll make center Jarrett Allen and forward Evan Mobley work together in a league dominated by pace, space and shooting.
"We've got two bigs that are fast. They're not just big guys," Atkinson said. "... My experience in Golden State is going to really help.
"Using those two together is really important. We want to keep that defensive identity."
Atkinson and Altman attended a hoops camp hosted by five-time All-Star Mitchell last weekend in Los Angeles. Atkinson said he and Mitchell had a great sit-down conversation. Atkinson said they talked about their families and East Coast backgrounds.
Mitchell is eligible for a contract extension, and securing him long term is the Cavs' top priority this offseason.
Altman said Mitchell is in a good mental space and "he's really invested in what we're doing." Altman added Mitchell has been "super involved" and "very, very much pro-Cleveland." It's a continuation of the optimism Altman has expressed about extending Mitchell this summer.
Atkinson said the Cavs can win a title with Mitchell as their best player. Atkinson made the comment when he was asked whether Mobley needs to be the team's top player for it to capture a championship. Atkinson added, "Evan's a big part of that."
Altman said he expects Atkinson to be creative with Cleveland's lineups, specifically mentioning the usage of Mobley. Atkinson said Mobley will generally "have the ball in his hands more" and "you'll see him more in transition with the ball."
Atkinson said the Cavs' style will include increased pace and 3-pointers.
Altman joined Atkinson on stage to introduce the coach. Atkinson's family attended the news conference, and Altman told them they would love Cleveland.
Altman said the Cavs went through an extensive coaching search, which included some future NBA head coaches.
"All roads led back to Kenny," Altman said. "He is modern, innovative. He's the right fit for this group."
Atkinson thanked Altman, others in the Cavs front office, owner Dan Gilbert and his previous employer, the Golden State Warriors. Atkinson called the interview process fair, interesting and exhilarating. He said the talent of the Cavs is obvious, and the culture established by the franchise attracted him to the job.
Atkinson said he had phone interviews, Zoom interviews and an interview in person with the Cavs.
Here are our Cavs coaching stories from this offseason:
Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich .
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cavs introduce Kenny Atkinson: What the new Cleveland Cavaliers head coach said
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