The Cleveland Cavaliers are looking for their third head coach in as many years, and after whiffing on Byron Scott and taking a second chance on Mike Brown, the team is striving to make this next hire count.
A source told the Sporting News the Cavs are “looking to a hit home run” with their next head coach, and hope to attract a big-time name to the position.
Former Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson, former Denver Nuggets coach George Karl, and former Memphis Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins headline the list of candidates, according to the report.
Jackson is reportedly in the mix for the Knicks’ coaching vacancy. Karl’s name has been floated around in connection to the Lakers’ vacancy, and previously for the Cavs’ general manager position. Likewise, Hollins has been mentioned in talks for numerous openings.
The Cavaliers also also expected to give consideration to Los Angeles Clippers assistant Tyronn Lue and Chicago Bulls assistant Adrian Griffin.
And though the team would welcome John Calipari up from the college ranks, it doesn’t appear Cal is interested in leaving Kentucky to relocate to Ohio.
The coaching vacancy becomes all the more attractive since the Cavaliers secured the top pick in the NBA Draft Lottery Tuesday night. This is the second consecutive year and the third time in the last four years that the team will draft No. 1 overall.
The Cavs have drafted Kyrie Irving and Anthony Bennett with their previous two picks. Joel Embiid, Jabari Parker, and Andrew Wiggins are all in contention to be taken first this year.
There’s always the possibility Cleveland looks to deal the top pick. That, of course, is the ransom price that needs to be paid in order to acquire Kevin Love from the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Cavaliers have been rumored to be willing to trade Tristan Thompson and draft picks in order to facilitate a deal for Love.
The Sporting News suspects Anderson Varejao and Dion Waiters could also be expendable
