Steve Kerr might have faced some challenges with the Warriors over the past couple of years, but that doesn’t diminish the list of accolades he has guided the team to. This makes the 4-time champion coach deserving of being a role model. And the head coach currently showcasing remarkable qualities similar to his championship era is the Cavaliers’ Kenny Atkinson. In fact, claims have surfaced, suggesting that Kerr is the reason behind Cleveland’s success.

Following the Cavs’ 129-122 victory against OKC, Stephen A. was full of praise for head coach Atkinson. “Atkinson is just showing the brilliance of Steve Kerr as a coach,” he said on First Take. That’s some compliment, considering the accomplishments Kerr has achieved as the Warriors’ head coach over the past decade. Stephen A. further highlighted that Atkinson wasn’t coaching at this level when he was in the head coach role with the Brooklyn Nets.

After Brooklyn, Atkinson’s next stop was LA. Spending roughly a season with the Clippers in the 2020-2021 season, Atkinson joined the Warriors, where he assisted Kerr before moving to the Eastern side. According to the analyst, Atkinson has adopted many of Kerr’s coaching qualities during his stint. “Being on Steve Kerr’s bench, watching them do the things that they do certainly helps,” he added. Justifying his perspective, Stephen A. drew a similarity between the Cavs’ Evan Mobley and the Warriors’ Draymond Green.

“Evan Mobley can shoot a three. He can shoot a 3. Once upon a time, so could Draymond,” Smith said. “In the earlier parts of Draymond Green’s career, Draymond Green would shoot threes.” There was no better way to put it than how the 57-year-old did. Stephen A. even concluded by saying. “It would not surprise me at all if the Cleveland Cavaliers won the championship.”

If the Cavs go on to win the title, then Kerr could receive the credit he deserves. However, there is an obstacle that Draymond mentioned, which Atkinson and his squad need to be careful of.

Steve Kerr’s qualities may not work if Cavaliers aren’t prepared for one key factor

The victory against the Thunder sent a clear message to the NBA community that the Cavaliers are seriously eyeing the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Now, everyone is offering insights on how they can achieve it without messing it up. Draymond Green also shared his verdict.

On The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis, the 4-time champion said, “Donovan (Mitchell) has historically struggled in the playoff and I think they have to be aware of that and already be ahead of time trying to figure out what we need to put in place to combat that if he struggles again… Because that can hinder their chance at being one of those teams in this finals.”

The Cavs guard has appeared in five playoff appearances with the Jazz and two with the Cavs. In the 2024 playoffs, when the team was struggling offensively against the Magic in the first round, Mitchell took the blame upon himself. But it wasn’t entirely on him. So far, Mitchell has averaged 28.1 points in the playoffs.

However, Green suggests that the Cavs must address his situation, or even Steve Kerr’s skills might fall short for the team. Do you agree with Stephen A. that Kerr has influenced Atkinson’s coaching this season? Let us know your thoughts!