The Cleveland Cavaliers fired head coach J.B. Bickerstaff after their second-round Playoff exit to the Boston Celtics, and are already looking for his replacement. The names on top of the list are Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson and New Orleans Pelicans assistant James Borrego, with both teams giving the Cavs permission to interview their star assistant coaches.
“ESPN Sources: Cleveland has been granted permission to interview Golden State assistant Kenny Atkinson and New Orleans assistant James Borrego for the head coaching job. Cavs are beginning an expansive interview process that will include several more candidates.”
Kenny Atkinson is a former NBA head coach, presiding over the Brooklyn Nets from 2016 to 2020, being fired by the franchise one season after Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant joined, being replaced by Steve Nash. He’s been with the Warriors since 2021 and played an integral role in the franchises’ 2022 championship win. He has a 118-190 record as a head coach, making one playoff appearance.
Atkinson also stepped in to coach the Warriors in one game this season, a 129-107 win over the Utah Jazz. He’s also been linked to the Lakers head coach opening.
James Borrego is a former NBA head coach as well, leading the Charlotte Hornets from 2018 to 2022, taking the team to consecutive Play-In appearances, their best competitive achievement since 2018. He also coached the Orlando Magic in 2014-15, missing the playoffs.
Borrego joined Willie Greene’s staff on the Pelicans as an assistant in 2022 but has interviewed for several head coaching roles including the Lakers. He has a 148-183 record as a head coach.
Whoever comes into coach the Cavaliers will be expected to deliver win-now results, with Bickerstaff’s second-round exit with an injured roster not enough to cut the mustard either. The question of Donovan Mitchell’s desire to stay on the team is a major talking point and adds pressure on the franchise to nail this hire.
Donovan Mitchell Is One Of The Most Powerful Stars In The NBA
Donovan Mitchell is the future of the Cavaliers and losing him could set the franchise back for years, especially with the price they gave to acquire him. As a result, Mitchell is believed to be one of the most powerful superstars in the NBA with influence in the Cavs’ franchise which was compared to LeBron James‘ influence on the Lakers by to Brian Windhorst.
“Donovan’s position with the Cavs right now is potentially as powerful as any team with any star player. With possible trades coming, with the type of contract he’s going to get offered. With the coaching position open. What Donovan has with the Cavs is what LeBron has with the Lakers. In fact, it might even be stronger because the Lakers have another superstar player on their roster. And LeBron’s about to turn 40. Donovan is entering his prime.”
Mitchell averaged 26.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists in the regular season before elevating to 29.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in the postseason.
He looked worth every draft pick the Cavs sent to the Jazz for him with his level of play as he could be a legitimate No. 1 option on a title team provided he’s in the right circumstances.
Atkinson, Borrego, or any other coach will be tasked with keeping Mitchell happy enough to sign an extension with the Cavaliers. Winning breeds happiness, but for it to be impactful, the Cavs need to at least emerge as the definite No. 2 in the East behind the Celtics.
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