This article delves into Donovan Mitchell's leadership role with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the team's strategy under new coach Kenny Atkinson. It highlights Atkinson's coaching approach, emphasizing player development and teamwork, and how it aligns with Mitchell's own aspirations.
The main reason was for the two men to get to know and understand each other. Atkinson had watched Golden State coach Steve Kerr nurture and develop relationships with his stars. As an assistant under Kerr, Atkinson also took mental notes on how Kerr empowered his stars to help other players on the team. Atkinson always had been working on that area of his coaching, but this was a graduate course for him. See our list and how we ranked them.
In the previous five seasons, Mitchell has been an All-Star – three with Utah, then two after being traded to Cleveland. The Cavs and Atkinson had a plan. They wanted Mitchell to be at his peak for the playoffs. They wanted him to be as healthy as possible. They also wanted him to “take a step back” in terms of minutes and shots during the regular season. “By doing that, he would empower Evan (Mobley) and others,” Atkinson said at a recent press conference. Donovan Mitchell has a 'big voice' with the other players, but also is very composed – according to coach Kenny Atkinson.Mitchell has been the consummate team player and leader since being traded to the Cavs. While he hoped to land in his hometown of New York when Utah put him on the market, he never said a bad thing about Cleveland. When it came time to sign a contract extension, Mitchell added three years to the one season left on his old contract. He wanted to stay with the Core Four, the other three being Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and Mobley. Only now, they had a new coach in Atkinson. Mitchell already was the leader of the team. The contract extension gave him even more influence in team policy.23.3 scoring average and taking 18 shots None of this is an indication of a decline in Mitchell’s game. It’s part of a grand plan to improve others on the team and prepare Mitchell for the playoffs.Atkinson is a basketball lifer. He spent 13 years as a player and coach in Europe. He also played in the old CBA, the forerunner to the current G-Leagu
NBA Cleveland Cavaliers Donovan Mitchell Kenny Atkinson Leadership Teamwork Player Development
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