Stephen A. Smith has ‘pink slip’ warning for Kenny Atkinson after Cavs coach’s strange boast
Stephen A. Smith has issued a warning to Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson regarding his job security. Atkinson's comments about the Cavaliers analytically winning despite being down 0-3 in the Eastern Conference finals have drawn criticism. Smith suggested that Atkinson could face a 'pink slip' if the team is swept in Game 4.
- ▪The Cavaliers are currently down 0-3 in the Eastern Conference finals against the Knicks.
- ▪Kenny Atkinson claimed the Cavaliers were analytically winning the series despite their losses.
- ▪Stephen A. Smith criticized Atkinson's remarks and suggested he could be fired if the team loses Game 4.
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NBA Stephen A. Smith has ‘pink slip’ warning for Kenny Atkinson after Cavs coach’s strange boast By Jenna Lemoncelli Published May 25, 2026, 4:04 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on Google Stephen A. Smith didn’t mince words while responding to Kenny Atkinson’s remarks that the Cavaliers — down 0-3 in the Eastern Conference finals against the Knicks — were analytically winning the series. During Monday’s installment of “First Take” on ESPN, Smith said the second-year Cavs coach could have a pink slip waiting for him if Cleveland gets swept in Game 4 on Monday night at Rocket Arena. “That moment right there, that is why Kenny Atkinson deserves to be an assistant coach,” Smith said.
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