Cavaliers HC Search: Update
Something tells me that the Cleveland Cavaliers looking for former head coach, Mike Brown’s replacement will be one long, grueling, smokescreen of a process. Yeah, you can say that the Cavaliers are taking their time trying to find the right man for the job, but new general manager, David Griffin has not mumbled a word on the progress of finding a head coach for the 33-49 Cavaliers team.
Now, you can scratch a couple of names off the list such as Mark Jackson, Steve Kerr and Kevin Ollie.
Jackson decided that this coaching thing was for the birds, so he went back to the booth and is going to to broadcast. alongside Mike Breen and former head coach, Jeff Van Gundy for the Eastern Conference Finals between the Pacers and Heat. I am sure that many of you saw him in Game 1. Jackson, who was let go by the Golden State Warriors, reportedly signed a multi-year deal with ESPN. That deal basically dismissed the Cleveland Cavaliers strong desire for the clergyman to come to Northeast Ohio. (Why can’t we ever have anything nice?)
Despite Jackson signing with ESPN, ESPN New York writer, Ian Begley reported that New York Knicks president and former Los Angeles Lakers head coach, Phil Jackson said that he was open to talking with Jackson. That may be good news for the Knicks fans, but for the fans over in Believeland: it’s not happening.
Another guy you scratch off the list is the new head coach of the Golden State Warriors, Steve Kerr. Kerr, who had been reported to be the next head coach of the New York Knicks took a different route when he was offered a 5 year, $25 million dollar contract to coach Stephen Curry and company. I wonder how his former coach, Phil Jackson felt being duped by one of the best 3 point shooters to ever step on the hardwood floor.
“When I sat down with the Warriors, it just clicked.” Kerr said. “I think it’s the right fit for me.”
One has to wonder if the amount of green was what made Kerr “click.”
Needless to say, scratch the Lebanon native off the list, Believeland.
Former NBA basketball player, Kevin Ollie who was originally paid $1.25 million dollars last season is very close to signing a deal worth $3 million dollars . The NCAA National Champion UConn Huskies head coach will look to stay on and try to win another championship with his team. This pay raise will make him the highest paid head coach in the American Athletic Conference. Well deserved.
Although a great coach, I don’t think he was ready for the NBA anyway. Believeland, you know what to do.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, so I decided to give you guys a list of possible head coaches:
Lionel Hollins
There appears to be mutual interest between the Cavaliers and the former Memphis Grizzlies head coach.
George Karl
I keep hearing that Karl, who was interested in a Cavaliers front office job, is now interested in coaching the team or the Washington Wizards.
Alvin Gentry
He might be a long shot, but he’s worth it.
Tyronn Lue
Joe Lull (@LullOnSports) reported that a league source confirmed the Cavaliers intention to speak with Lue. The one time NBA champion has been under the wing of Los Angeles Clippers head coach, Doc Rivers since the Boston Celtic days (2009-13). Doc isn’t one to keep someone that does not have that killer instinct and winning mentality on the bench. This candidate could be a big sleeper. He is also believed to be a leading candidate in the New York Knicks job.
David Vanterpool
CBS Cleveland reported that the 41 year old Portland Blazers assistant head coach was also mentioned in regards to the Cavaliers head coaching search.Vanterpool has been an assistant to the Blazers for the past two seasons and was a finalist for the Phildalphia 76ers job.
Adrian Griffin
I am not sure as to where Griffin is on the list of coaches to replace Mike Brown, but I am sure the Chicago Bulls assistant is on there somewhere.
Happy Hunting, Believeland!