New report provides insight into Kenny Atkinson's job security with Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers have underachieved so far this season. Through 30 games of action, they sit seventh in the Eastern Conference standings with a 16-14 record, despite the fact that they were widely predicted to be one of the top teams in the conference.

Cleveland’s struggles have led to some speculation regarding Kenny Atkinson’s future with the franchise, but a recent report from Joe Vardon of The Athletic suggests that no coaching moves are on the horizon in Cleveland.

Kenny Atkinson's job with Cavaliers not currently in jeopardy 

Atkinson is in the midst of his second season in Cleveland. He led the Cavs to the conference semifinals last season where they were bested in five games by the Indiana Pacers.

From Vardon:

“Reigning NBA coach of the year Kenny Atkinson is ‘not on the hot seat’ with the Cleveland Cavaliers despite the team’s poor start, multiple league sources with direct knowledge of the franchise’s thinking told The Athletic.

… To be clear, decision-makers, coaches and players are “upset” with how the team has played for two months following last year’s 64-win season, but those frustrations have not risen to the level of Atkinson’s job being in imminent danger, those sources said.”

Vardon also noted that the Cavaliers aren’t rushing to make any changes to the roster either, as the front office wants to see the team at full health before making any brash decisions. Key contributors like Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and Larry Nance Jr. have all missed significant time this season due to various ailments.

Cleveland’s slow start to the season has been especially concerning given the sheer size of the payroll. The Cavaliers have the most expensive payroll in the entire NBA this season, and they’re the only team currently over the NBA’s second apron. They’re also projected to have the league’s highest payroll again next season.

Obviously, when an ownership group spends that kind of money, results are expected, and if those results aren’t achieved, changes should be expected. It sounds like Cleveland’s brain trust is taking the patient approach, for now, but it remains to be seen how long that patience will last if the Cavs continue to underachieve.