BREAKING: Cleveland cavaliers Head coach Kenny Atkinson has been horned with a statue at Rocket Mortgage Field house after he won the prestigious award for NBA coaches is the NBA coach of the year
BREAKING: Kenny Atkinson Honored with Statue at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse After Winning NBA Coach of the Year
CLEVELAND — In a monumental celebration of leadership, dedication, and success, the Cleveland Cavaliers have honored head coach Kenny Atkinson with a statue outside Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The stunning tribute comes just days after Atkinson was officially named the 2025 NBA Coach of the Year, marking a historic moment in both franchise and league history.
Atkinson, who took over as the Cavaliers’ head coach prior to the 2024–25 NBA season, has led the team through an extraordinary transformation. Under his guidance, the Cavaliers went from playoff hopefuls to serious title contenders, finishing the regular season with one of the league’s best records and earning widespread acclaim for their tenacious defense, team-first mentality, and cohesive style of play.
The bronze statue, unveiled in a special ceremony attended by players, team executives, and thousands of Cavaliers fans, captures Atkinson in a signature courtside pose — clipboard in hand, focused and poised, symbolizing the steady leadership he has brought to the franchise. The inscription at the base reads: “Kenny Atkinson — Architect of Culture, Leader of Champions.”
Team owner Dan Gilbert addressed the crowd at the unveiling:
“What Kenny has brought to this team cannot be overstated. His vision, discipline, and belief in our players have elevated the Cavaliers to new heights. This statue is a tribute not just to a great coach, but to a great man who represents everything we want this organization to stand for.”
Atkinson’s Coach of the Year award comes after a season filled with impressive milestones. The Cavaliers boasted a top-five defense, a revitalized offensive scheme, and a franchise-record 60 wins. Players like Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Donovan Mitchell flourished under his system, with many crediting Atkinson’s player development focus as the catalyst for their growth.
Speaking at the ceremony, Atkinson remained humble.
“This is overwhelming,” he said. “I share this honor with every player who bought in, every assistant who worked tirelessly, and the fans who believed in us. Cleveland is special — this city, this team, and this moment will stay with me forever.”
Known for his work ethic and player-first coaching philosophy, Atkinson’s journey to the statue was anything but easy. A former assistant with the Warriors and Nets, Atkinson built a reputation as a developmental mastermind. His return to a head coaching role with the Cavaliers was seen by many as a turning point — both for his career and for the franchise.
Fans erupted into chants of “Kenny! Kenny!” during the unveiling, some holding signs that read “Our Coach, Our Champion” and “Believe in Kenny.”
With his place in Cavaliers history now literally cast in bronze, Atkinson’s legacy is cemented — not just as a Coach of the Year, but as a figure who reshaped the identity of the franchise. As the Cavaliers prepare for a deep playoff run, one thing is clear: the city of Cleveland has found its leader.
