NBA Insider Updates Kenny Atkinson Hot Seat Rumors Amid Cavs' Struggles

Amid a rough start to the season for the Cleveland Cavaliers, speculation has risen about Kenny Atkinson's future as head coach.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported Sunday that he has "been hearing rumbles in coaching circles" that "pressure is indeed mounting" on Atkinson. However, Stein also noted that one source "pushed back" on the idea that owner Dan Gilbert is ready to move on from Atkinson.

According to Stein, "Gilbert had perhaps the strongest voice in Northeast Ohio backing the selection of Atkinson as J.B. Bickerstaff's successor over current New Orleans interim coach James Borrego."

The report from Stein comes after Cleveland.com's Chris Fedor reported that Gilbert is "unhappy about what's going on" with the Cavs so far.

The Cavaliers have started the season 15-14, a stark contrast to last year when they were 25-4 through their first 29 games. Cleveland went on to finish the season 64-18 as Atkinson won Coach of the Year.

Injuries have been a factor to start the year, which gives Atkinson a bit of an excuse. Darius Garland has only played 13 games and Jarrett Allen has missed 11 games, so the Cavs haven't had their starting five on the court for much of the year.

Cleveland still has plenty of time to figure things out as we haven't even reached the halfway point in the season, but perhaps Atkinson's seat will start to warm if things don't improve.