Three Options for Cavs Head Coaching Job

Can Tyronn Lue be the answer to the Cavs’ coaching questions?

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been as dysfunctional as any organization in the NBA since LeBron James left in 2010. They fired Head Coach Mike Brown in 2010 and hired Byron Scott. After three years at the helm, Scott was axed and replaced by Brown, again. Brown agreed to a 5-year/$20 million deal before being fired after only one season. They also fired GM Chris Grant this past season. There has been no stability in this franchise over the last few years, but with an All-Star point guard and their third no. 1 overall pick in the last four years in this year’s draft, the Cavs have a chance to make a move forward as an organization if they nail the hiring of their next coach. That’s a big if, but here are a few options for the Cavs.

David Blatt

Blatt may be an unfamiliar face to most American basketball fans, but Blatt is one of the most well-known and respected coaches in Europe. Blatt has been playing or coaching in Europe since 1981. After coaching Maccabi Tel Aviv to a championship in the ultra-competitive Euroleague, Blatt has decided to take his coaching prowess to the States. Blatt interviewed with the Cavs Wednesday.

Blatt is known for his ability to coach offense and if he implements a free-flowing offensive scheme in Cleveland, it would be no surprise if point guard Kyrie Irving elevated his game. Blatt brings a fortitude of basketball knowledge and experience and is an intriguing coaching candidate.

Tyronn Lue

Lue may be most well-known for being the guy who got crossed up by Allen Iverson and then stepped over by Iverson in the 2001 NBA Finals, but he is a legit candidate to take over the head coaching job in Cleveland. While Lue has never been a head coach, he has been alongside some of the best minds in recent memory. Lue was an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics from 2009-13 under Doc Rivers. Lue then followed Rivers to Los Angeles to be an assistant under him for the Clippers. He also played under the legendary Phil Jackson. You would have to believe those guys have put a good word out about Lue. Lue is one of two candidates who has interviewed twice with the team.

Alvin Gentry

Gentry is the other candidate who has interviewed twice with the Cavs. Gentry has held four head coaching positions in the league. He has a career record of 335-370. He is most well-known for his time in Phoenix where he helped the Suns to a 54-28 record in 2009-10. With the seven seconds or less offense, the Suns thrived with point guard Steve Nash running the show alongside an army of solid role players. It was Gentry’s only full season of coaching a team with an above .500 record. Gentry’s experience in the league is probably a big reason why the Cavs are so high on him.

So, who should it be?

I’m crossing Gentry off the list first. For one, I think he is just too similar to their last couple hires in Scott and Brown. Gentry has bounced around the league with no sustained success. I think the Cavs need to make a splash with a fresh mind to lead their team, which is why I think they should go with Lue or Blatt. Lue and Blatt are good options because they both would benefit Irving. Lue is a former point guard and should be able to relate to Irving. There have been numerous rumors about Irving’s poor attitude and leadership, and Lue may be able to mentor Irving and get rid of that notion. Blatt is known as an offensive guru and could transform the Cavs into an explosive team with Irving paired up with whmoever they take with the no. 1 pick in this year’s draft.

However, this is the Cavs and sometimes they just do stuff to do stuff. For all we know, they could bring Mike Brown back again (kidding, maybe?). Only time will tell.