With the pace of the Cavaliers’ coaching search, you’d almost think they’re slow-playing to let LeBron James make the decision.
Just when it appeared Cleveland might have narrowed the field – with Alvin Gentry and Tyronn Lue interviewing with Dan Gilbert – new names have begun to surface. Mark Price interviewed, and Nate McMillan was contacted.
Now, add Mark Jackson to the list of potential targets.
Joe Kotoch of Pro Basketball Draft:
Cavs have made back channel inquiries about former Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson, per source.
— Joe Kotoch Real Estate (@luxuryagentchi) June 10, 2014
Before the Warriors hired him, Jackson was notoriously choosy about accepting a job. Now that he actually has coaching experience – and a strong record of success, at that – I don’t see Jackson becoming any less selective. Like the situation a few years ago, Jackson has a cushy ESPN job that makes coaching a lower-rung franchise less appealing.
The Cavaliers will have the opportunity to hire a good coach, though it might take keen talent evaluation by Gilbert and general manager David Griffin. There are just too many quality candidates on the market for Cleveland, or any team, to get shut out (unless they needlessly limit their pool to only those with previous ties to the team, but that’s their own doing).
However, Cleveland might have more trouble than most.
John Calipari turned down a ton of money work for the Cavaliers, and other coaches must be turned off by the franchise’s dysfunction. It’s a hard sell at this point.
I don’t know whether Jackson is the best fit for the Cavaliers, but if they can convince him – with his high standards for jobs – to even consider them, that would be a victory. It might even urge other potential coaches to give Cleveland a second look.