Now that Tom Izzo has spurned Dan Gilbert’s advances to coach the Cleveland Cavaliers, what is the next step for a franchise that is being characterized as in chaos? Who will be the next candidate to step forward as the next coach of the wine and gold?
First, the franchise is not in disarray, it’s just being run differently. Gilbert is being portrayed as impetuous, but really, he allowed Danny Ferry to run the organization one way for five years, and he didn’t achieve the ultimate reward, a championship.
It’s Gilbert who stands to lose a great deal if LeBron James decides to go elsewhere in free agency, so why shouldn’t he roll up his sleeves and try to make a bold move. The value of his investment is at stake, so why wouldn’t he want to be heavily involved.
However, the pickings are slim as far as coaching candidates are concerned with Izzo out of the picture.
Many have suggested the owner’s next target is former Net and Hornet coach Byron Scott, but he may be waiting to see if his dream job, head coach of the Lakers, opens up before making a decision. If Phil Jackson were not back, Scott would be a prime candidate for that job.
Still, Scott has been fired twice in the past seven years. Is a retread candidate the best fit for the Cavaliers?
It would be preferable to hiring an unproven assistant coach, but is Scott the correct choice?
Scott has handled star players (Jason Kidd and Chris Paul), took New Jersey to The Finals twice, but you can’t forget that when he was fired by the Nets, Lawrence Frank took over and directed the team to a long winning streak. Obviously, Scott is a guy who burns bright right away, but the players seem to tire of him very quickly.
So, who else is there? Mo Cheeks is two games below .500 for his coaching career, and has taken three teams to the playoffs, winning 50 games once with Portland in second year at the helm. He was relieved of his job with the Sixers last season after 23 games.
What about Mike Dunleavy, whose record is below .500 lifetime (613-716), but led the Lakers to The Finals in 1991, and even took the Clippers to the playoffs and a series win in 2006. He has had three 50-win campaigns.
What about Mike Fratello, the Czar of the Telestrator, who is 667-548 for his career, and has four 50 win seasons, all with the Dominique Wilkins led Hawks, but also took the Grizzlies to the playoffs in 2005 and 2006. He’s now 63 years old, but anyone who watches him on TNT or NBA-TV knows he is fully in touch with today’s game.
The one assistant who has been mentioned is Lakers’ aide Brian Shaw, whose future is also tied into what will happen with Phil Jackson in Los Angeles. It is doubtful that the Cavs will turn to another first time head coach with the uncertainty of James’ future, and the need to make a big splash.
Jeff Van Gundy talks a good game on television, but was known more for a slowdown style with the Knicks and Rockets, which isn’t a good fit if James re-signs.
The ball is clearly in Gilbert’s court. He accepted the burden of keeping his team a championship contender, and his choice of a coach could ultimately be enough to keep the franchise player in town.
Dan Gilbert has the most to lose by making a bad decision. My guess is he wouldn’t want it any other way.
JK
Cleveland Sports Perspective 