Cleveland Cavaliers’ head coach Kenny Atkinson has nothing but praise for his team’s new backcourt duo of Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. In a recent interview with Heavy Sports, Atkinson spoke highly of the two star players and their potential impact on the team.
Mitchell and Harden were acquired by the Cavaliers in a blockbuster trade this off-season, and the team’s fans couldn’t be more excited to see this dynamic duo in action. Atkinson, a highly respected coach in the league, is also thrilled to have them on board.
“It’s an absolute blessing to have Donovan and James on our team,” Atkinson said. “They are two of the most talented players in the league and their addition to our roster will definitely strengthen our chances of winning games.”
Atkinson’s confidence in his new players is well-founded. Both Mitchell and Harden have proven themselves to be top performers in the NBA, and their stats speak for themselves. Mitchell, who was the 13th overall pick in the 2017 draft, has already established himself as a premier shooting guard, averaging 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game in his first three seasons with the Utah Jazz. Harden, on the other hand, is a seasoned veteran and one of the best scorers in the league, with career averages of 25.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game.
But for Atkinson, it’s not just about the numbers. He believes that Mitchell and Harden’s chemistry on and off the court will be key to the team’s success.
“Watching them practice and interact with each other, it’s clear that they have a great connection,” Atkinson shared. “They have a shared goal of winning and are willing to put in the hard work to achieve it. As a coach, that’s all you can ask for.”
While the addition of two big names like Mitchell and Harden could potentially cause tension within the team, Atkinson is confident that their presence will only bring out the best in their teammates.
“Having players of their caliber on the team will push everyone to step up their game,” Atkinson explained. “It’s not just about them scoring points, but also about their leadership and how they will elevate the team as a whole. I have no doubt that Donovan and James will make everyone around them better.”
With the NBA season fast approaching, the Cavaliers are looking to bounce back from a disappointing previous season and make a strong push for the playoffs. And with Mitchell and Harden leading the backcourt, Atkinson believes that the team has a great chance of achieving their goals.
“It’s a new era for the Cavaliers and we’re excited for the journey ahead,” Atkinson said. “Donovan and James are a huge part of that, and I have no doubt that they will make a significant impact on the team. We can’t wait to see what they will bring to the court.”
Fans are eagerly awaiting the debut of Mitchell and Harden in Cavaliers jerseys and can’t wait to see what this new star duo will achieve together. And with a coach like Kenny Atkinson leading the way, there’s no doubt that the Cleveland Cavaliers are heading for a bright future.
