Brooklyn Nets guard D’Angelo Russell has had a spectacular breakout campaign in his fourth season in the NBA. Before this season, however, many had doubted Russell’s ability to be a lead point guard of a franchise after falling out with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Surely, he has proven that this year, as his stellar play and leadership as a point guard earned him a nod to the NBA All-Star game. He looks much more confident as the primary ball-handler and playmaker for the Nets. And according to Michael Scotto of The Athletic, much of this confidence started with head coach Kenny Atkinson.