Cavs coaching search is fluid and could go into next week

The Cavs continue to weight all of their options as they look for J.B. Bickerstaff’s successor.

The Cleveland Cavaliers coaching search could possibly extend into next week according to Tom Withers of the Associated Press. Withers also described the process as being “fluid and ongoing.” This seems to imply that Koby Altman and company are still weighing from a larger pool of candidates and haven’t narrowed the search down as much as other reporting seems to have indicated.

New Orleans Pelicans assistant James Borrego was described as “the leader in the clubhouse” earlier this week. Additionally, there is circumstantial evidence that the Los Angeles Lakers, the only other team with a head coaching vacancy, are operating as if Borrego ending up with the Cavaliers is a strong possibility. Los Angeles is conducting their first formal interview with JJ Redick after striking out with Dan Hurley. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski has also reported that Borrego is gaining traction in Cleveland. That said, other reporting has indicated that Borrego is the “leading candidate” in Los Angeles.

Chris Fedor of cleveland.com has acknowledged that Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson is also a finalist for the Cavs opening. Atkinson and Borrego were the first two names mentioned shortly after J.B. Bickerstaff was fired in May. Those appear to be the two most likely choices as the search is nearing its conclusion.

Altman has been deliberate about this search and has typically tried to keep his vest when it comes to roster moves. This coaching search is shaping up to be the same way. Altman previously stated that he’d prefer to have a coach selected before the draft. Choosing one next week would allow that to be the case as the NBA Draft is set for June 26.