The Cleveland Cavaliers put together an outstanding regular-season campaign in 2024-25, finishing the year with a 64-18 record and claiming the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Cavaliers accomplished this regular-season feat in the first season of the Kenny Atkinson era. Atkinson, a former head coach for the Brooklyn Nets, was hired prior to the 2024-25 campaign following Cleveland's decision to part ways with J.B. Bickerstaff.
Earlier this month, Atkinson was recognized as the 2024-25 NBA Coach of the Year.
On Tuesday, Atkinson was recognized with another honor: the 2024-25 Rudy Tomjanovich Award presented by the Professional Basketball Writers Association.
The honor recognizes Atkinson's "cooperation with the media and fans, as well as his excellence on the court."
“Kenny has always brought great candor, humility and a sense of humor to the job, and to his regular sessions with the media,” PBWA president Howard Beck said in a statement. “He’s always eager to explain the nuances of the game and to discuss the bigger issues across the league.”
The NBA reposted this announcement through its official communications account on X.
Atkinson accepted the award with a classy speech on Tuesday.
"[This award] doesn't happen unless your leadership allows you to be candid and honest," Atkinson said. "... Steve Kerr, I learned a lot from him. Be honest, be candid... This isn't us against the press. We're kind of in this thing together."
Atkinson and the Cavaliers cruised through their first-round playoff series, sweeping the No. 8 seed Miami Heat 4-0. Cleveland's second-round series against the No. 4 seed Indiana Pacers wasn't quite as easy.
This PBWA announcement was made hours before the Cavaliers tipped off in a win-or-go-home Game 5 matchup against the Pacers. Dealing with multiple injury issues for key players, the Cavaliers surrendered a 3-1 deficit heading into this contest.
The Cavaliers were eliminated from the playoffs on Tuesday night, suffering a 114-105 at home. The Pacers will now move on to face off against the winner of the Knicks-Celtics series in the Eastern Conference Finals.