Kenny Atkinson experienced a challenging preseason without a win while coaching the Cleveland Cavaliers, leading him to question the team’s potential. However, they proved to be extraordinary.

Atkinson was honored with the NBA Coach of the Year award during an announcement that took place Monday night, receiving the prestigious Red Auerbach Trophy. He led the Cavaliers to a remarkable 15-0 start, achieving one of three significant winning streaks of over 12 games during the season, securing the top position in the Eastern Conference.

“I stepped into this,” Atkinson commented. “I keep saying that, that I stepped into this. It’s a little bit of luck too, right?”

Following Atkinson in the voting was J.B. Bickerstaff, who transformed the Detroit Pistons from last place to a playoff spot. Ime Udoka secured the third position, guiding the Houston Rockets to end a five-year drought from the playoffs.

All three candidates were notable for their exceptional coaching during the season. Bickerstaff has consistently received votes over the past four seasons; Udoka has earned votes in his three seasons; and Atkinson previously finished fifth in the voting during the 2018-19 season while coaching the Brooklyn Nets.

This year marked a pinnacle for all finalists, with Atkinson sweeping the awards by also winning the National Basketball Coaches Association’s Coach of the Year award, distinct from the NBA honor and elected by fellow coaches.

“I almost broke down when I got that,” Atkinson expressed. “To think (Rick) Carlisle voted for me, that (Erik) Spoelstra voted for me … that’s like the pinnacle.”

Atkinson won the NBA award by a significant margin—garnering 59 out of 100 first-place votes and appearing on 99 of the 100 ballots. Bickerstaff received 31 first-place votes for second place, followed by Udoka with seven.

Mark Daigneault from Oklahoma City received two first-place votes for fourth place, while Tyronn Lue of the Clippers earned the other first-place vote and finished fifth. JJ Redick from the Lakers completed the voting in sixth place.

Atkinson transitioned to the Cavaliers after serving the last three seasons as an assistant under Steve Kerr with the Golden State Warriors. He remarked that he gained invaluable experience during that time, which he applied successfully during his current season with Cleveland.

“My time with Steve, I call it finishing school,” Atkinson stated during the TNT broadcast. “I was your typical, kind of hard-nosed coach. Just being around Steve and observing how he conducted practices, communicated with his stars, and included the entire roster in his thought process made me a better coach. I’m really thankful for the experience, and it’s made me who I am today.”

Both Atkinson and Bickerstaff thrived during their first years in their respective roles. Atkinson propelled Cleveland to a 64-18 record, clinching the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference after Bickerstaff was dismissed following last season’s playoffs. Bickerstaff went on to lead Detroit from a mere 14 wins to a commendable 44-win season, earning them the No. 6 seed in the East.

“The NBA Coach of the Year award, like several other honors, was voted on by a global panel of 100 writers and broadcasters who cover the league, casting their ballots shortly after the end of the regular season.”