Top 5 Head Coaching Candidates For the Cleveland Cavaliers
Paul Connor
Host · Writer
Luke Walton
Of course, Cleveland could opt to hire internally. If that is indeed the organization's route, assistant coach Luke Walton becomes the likely choice. Walton famously led the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors to a 24-1 start while filling in for Steve Kerr and has head coaching experience with the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings.
Who Will Lead the Cavs Next?
The Cleveland Cavaliers shocked many last week with their decision to move on from head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, despite two straight postseason berths and steering the team through the second post-LeBron James era. Now, in the market for a new leader, several candidates are expected to vie for what is one of the league's more attractive openings.
To that end, here are five names I expect to be in the running.
Kenny Atkinson
A rumored favorite for the position is former Brooklyn Nets head coach and current Golden State Warriors assistant, Kenny Atkinson. Atkinson was widely praised during his Nets tenure for building a culture and transforming a young, inexperienced squad into a playoff team. Cleveland was solid defensively this season but ranked 21st in points per game, an area Atkinson should be able to improve upon, given his time working under Steve Kerr. He is also familiar with the Cavs roster, having coached Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert in Brooklyn.
Terry Stotts
If Cavaliers brass values experience, Terry Stotts should be at the top of the list of potential hires. Stotts served as head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers from 2012-21, guiding the team to three 50+ win seasons and eight playoff appearances. Before his time in Portland, the Iowa native was also bench boss of the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks from 2002-04 and 2005-07, respectively. Stotts is 66 years old and has been out of the league for three full seasons, but his previous success cannot be overlooked.
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James Borrego
A member of the Gregg Popovich coaching tree, New Orleans Pelicans assistant James Borrego spent 11 years under the legendary head coach, winning two NBA titles with the Spurs in 2005 and 2007. In 2015, Borrego served as interim coach for the Orlando Magic (30 games) before landing his first full-time head coaching position with the Charlotte Hornets in 2018. The 46-year-old spent four seasons in Charlotte, and while he didn't have much success, he remains widely respected across the league.
Johnnie Bryant
New York Knicks associate head coach Johnnie Bryant may not have experience leading an NBA franchise. Still, his ties to Donovan Mitchell make him a dark horse. Bryant served as an assistant during Mitchell's time in Utah. Mitchell is eligible to sign a four-year, $200 million extension with the Cavs this offseason, so perhaps hiring someone he's familiar with could convince the All-Star guard to remain in Ohio long-term.
Luke Walton
Of course, Cleveland could opt to hire internally. If that is indeed the organization's route, assistant coach Luke Walton becomes the likely choice. Walton famously led the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors to a 24-1 start while filling in for Steve Kerr and has head coaching experience with the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings.
Who Will Lead the Cavs Next?
The Cleveland Cavaliers shocked many last week with their decision to move on from head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, despite two straight postseason berths and steering the team through the second post-LeBron James era. Now, in the market for a new leader, several candidates are expected to vie for what is one of the league's more attractive openings.
To that end, here are five names I expect to be in the running.
