The Cavaliers struck out on John Calipari, so they’re moving onto other coaching candidates.
Two who previously interviewed, Alvin Gentry and Tyronn Lue, have advanced to the second stage of the process.
Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times:
Clippers assistant Alvin Gentry lost out on Utah job to Quin Snyder. But Gentry has a 2nd interview with Cleveland Monday, sources said.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) June 6, 2014
Gentry will meet with Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, sources said.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) June 6, 2014
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports:
Along with Alvin Gentry, Clippers assistant Tyronn Lue will get a second interview for Cleveland's head coaching job, sources tell Yahoo.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 9, 2014
Gentry and Lue will meet with owner Dan Gilbert in this round of interviews, sources tell Yahoo.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 9, 2014
Billy Donovan has remained in contact with Cavs, sources say, but no one connected to process believes he has comfort level to make leap.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 9, 2014
Conspicuously unmentioned are Lionel Hollins, Adrian Griffin, David Blatt and Vinny Del Negro – other available coaches reportedly in the mix for the job.
Del Negro not making making the cut isn’t quite as curious as Hollins – or even Griffin, who received the first interview. That makes me wonder whether Gentry and Lue are the final two candidates or just the first two to advance to the next stage.
If neither Gentry nor Lue impress Gilbert, maybe the Cavaliers owner would make more an effort to get Donovan comfortable – though Gilbert has repeatedly failed to lure his desired college coach.
At this point, there’s little telling what Gilbert is thinking. Maybe Gentry or Lue will set him straight.