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Atkinson's Vision: How One Coach Reshaped the NBA
1 Jun
Summary
- Coach Kenny Atkinson pioneered the five-out offense, changing big man play.
- Brook Lopez credits Atkinson for developing his perimeter shooting skills.
- Atkinson's schemes now influence stars like Wembanyama and Holmgren.
The modern NBA game, emphasizing perimeter play for all positions, owes a significant debt to Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson. His strategic vision, honed during his time with the Atlanta Hawks and implemented with the Brooklyn Nets, fundamentally altered how big men are utilized.
Brook Lopez, a prominent figure in this shift, credits Atkinson directly for encouraging him to develop his outside shooting. This move proved pivotal, contributing to the Nets' all-time scoring record and later to a championship with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Fast forward to 2026, Atkinson's early innovations are now profoundly impacting the league's new generation of stars. Players like Victor Wembanyama, who averages 5.5 three-pointers, and Chet Holmgren, shooting 3.5 threes per game, exemplify this new breed of versatile big men. Their success, and that of teams like the 2025 champion Oklahoma City Thunder, traces back to Atkinson's foundational strategies.
Atkinson is expected to continue fostering this evolution, potentially guiding players like Evan Mobley to develop outside shooting. This evolution showcases a dynamic shift in basketball, with Atkinson's coaching playing a crucial role in shaping the careers of elite big men and the success of their teams.
