When fans think about coaches, the first image that comes to mind is someone drawing up plays, motivating their team in huddles, or adjusting strategies on the fly. But what often goes unnoticed is another critical responsibility: identifying future stars before the rest of the world catches on.
Spotting talent early is a skill that only a few people possess, and according to former NBA guard Jeff Teague, one coach stood out above the rest.
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In the latest episode of the “Club 520 Podcast”, Teague revealed how Kenny Atkinson (current Cleveland Cavaliers head coach) had a rare eye for talent, long before players like Stephen Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokić became household names.
“I always believed what Kenny said cause he told me what Stephen Curry was going to be. I was like, ‘Hell no.’ Then, when Stephen Curry started killing, Alright, you the GOAT, whatever you say, I’m going to start believing,” said Teague during the podcast.
Atkinson’s coaching journey started in 2004 with Paris Basket Racing in France. Four years later, he transitioned to the NBA as an assistant coach with the New York Knicks (2008–2012). After that, he joined the Atlanta Hawks in 2012 as an assistant coach, and it was during his time in Atlanta that his talent evaluation skills shone.
Atkinson and the Hawks front office were closely monitoring Antetokounmpo in the 2013 NBA Draft. The coach firmly believed that the lanky teenager from Greece had the tools to dominate the league.
Unfortunately, despite their keen interest, the Hawks held the 17th and 18th picks in the first round while the Milwaukee Bucks swooped in at No. 15 to secure Antetokounmpo.
That decision turned out to be franchise-altering for Milwaukee. The “Greek Freak” has since blossomed into one of the greatest players of his generation, and he has claimed two MVP awards, a Defensive Player of the Year trophy and has become an NBA All-Star nine times.
But most memorably, he carried the Bucks to an NBA championship in 2021, where he was crowned Finals MVP. Atkinson’s early belief in Antetokounmpo now seems almost prophetic.
Giannis’ reaction to him, Thanasis and Kostas all being NBA champs 🥺❤️ pic.twitter.com/njD2vxW8pa
— ESPN (@espn) July 21, 2021
“He told me he is going to be the best player in the NBA. He said, ‘I watched this kid dribble and throw a behind-the-back pass, I knew he was gonna be the best player in the league.’ He’s like, ‘We gotta trade up and get him.’ Kenny made me a believer,” stated Teague about Antetokounmpo.
Teague also mentioned that Atkinson had been ahead of the curve when it came to Jokić recognizing his potential long before the Serbian center became a global sensation.
“Dude, Jokić was coming off the bench. They were starting Nurkic. He was like, ‘Man, it’s the kid on their bench 10 times better than Nurk.’ ‘I’m telling you, Jeff, he is the best player on the team.’ Then to see him become an MVP, Kenny bro,” added Teague during the podcast.
Fast forward to today Jokić has validated that vision by winning multiple MVPs and steering the Denver Nuggets to their first-ever NBA title in 2023, where he earned Finals MVP honors.
Confetti showers Nikola Jokic and his daughter as the Nuggets win the NBA Championship! pic.twitter.com/Bl4nQZZdy8
— NBA (@NBA) June 13, 2023
From Curry to Antetokounmpo to Jokić the list of stars Atkinson believed in before the rest of the world noticed is nothing short of remarkable.
