Cavaliers hire Kenny Atkinson

     The Cleveland Cavaliers have decided on their new head coach and there is a question about the decision.

Cleveland's choice is Kenny Atkinson, formerly the head coach for the Brooklyn Nets, who has spent the last three seasons as an assistant with the Golden State Warriors.

Atkinson had been mentioned as a considered candidate but was thought to be behind New Orleans Pelicans assistant James Borrego for the job.

Rumors are flying that Borrego was the choice of Koby Altman before Atkinson's interview which included owner Dan Gilbert.

Atkinson became the choice of Gilbert following the interview and it is also rumored that Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo gave a glowing recommendation to Gilbert.

To Dan Gilbert, a recommendation from Tom Izzo is as good as he could get, if Izzo did offer that recommendation, it's easy to see how Kenny Atkinson became the selection for the position.

Atkinson coached Brooklyn for four seasons, finishing with a record of 118-190 and only one winning season in 2018-19 when the Nets finished 42-40 and made the playoffs, losing in the first round in five games to Philadelphia.

Atkinson had issues coaching superstars such as Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant in Brooklyn but coached two former Nets now in Cleveland (Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert) both players were very positive about hiring Atkinson.

Atkinson is an offensive coach who will add things that he learned at Golden State and his system is ball movement-oriented, which Donovan Mitchell is reputed to enjoy.

Mitchell, who may be getting his max extension offer shortly, has reportedly approved the decision to hire Atkinson.

I don't really have an opinion on Atkinson vs Borrego, I would have been fine with either but I will admit to a little uneasiness for one reason- Dan Gilbert.

When Dan Gilbert gets involved in decisions, his track record reeks of failure.

It was Dan Gilbert who made the decision to hire David Blatt and John Beilein with neither man succeeding in Cleveland.

Dan Gilbert has made this decision for head coach and with his team at a crossroads, he'll need to get this one right or realize that his meddling in basketball matters needs to stop.