Whether Cleveland signs LeBron James or not, Brian Shaw could very well be the next Cavs coach. A source reported earlier this morning that Cleveland could finalize Shaw's deal a day before LeBron James and the rest of the free agent class hits the market. Shaw has been considered for the job along with ex-Nets and Hornets coach, Byron Scott. The Cavs felt that Michigan State coach, Tom Izzo, would be their next coach, but Izzo declined the offer Cleveland proposed. I think it was a smart decision not to sign Izzo, as college coaches have proven time and time again that they cannot coach at the NBA level (i.e. Calipari, Pitino, etc).
A source close to the situation said that Scott's talks with the Cavaliers have not progressed whatsoever and it is unlikely that he would become the next coach. Scott is also being interviewed for the Lakers job, as no one knows for certain if the great Phil Jackson will return to the NBA next season. Had the Cavs made an offer to Scott, they would have gotten a response within a day or two. However, with LeBron's return up in the air, Scott has no problem declining the Cavs job if LeBron doesn't come back. Can you blame him? LeBron can be one of the greatest players ever, and everyone coach would like to coach LeBron someday.
Officially, Scott's name hasn't been withdrawn, but it is still unlikely for him to take the job without James. This gives room for Shaw to come in a take the position.
Shaw graduated from UC Santa Barbara after transferring over from St. Mary's (California). In 1988, the Boston Celtics took Shaw with the 24th overall pick. He lasted a little over 2 seasons in Boston before making short stints with Miami, Orlando, Golden State, Philadelphia, Portland, and eventually his last team, the Los Angeles Lakers (won 3 rings with them). The great Shaquille O'Neal even went on to say in 2007 that Shaw was the player he respected the most throughout his career in the NBA. In his career, Shaw may not have been able to dazzle the NBA crowd, but he was more known for his smart mind for the game. Shortly after his retirement in 2003, he worked for the Lakers as an Oakland-based scout. He was appointed as an asnsistant coach in the 2004-05 season, where he has been ever since then.With July 1 about to be here, free agents will soon hit the streets and find their next team. The Cavaliers have needed to keep a stable mind in selecting their next head coach. They fired Mike Brown earlier this summer after five seasons, even though he took the team to the playoffs every year and had the best regular season record twice. However, he could never lead the team to a championship. That's what they're hoping Shaw or Scott can do. I think selecting Shaw as their next coach is the best decision. He has a high basketball IQ and will probably teach a defensive philosophy. If they can somehow persuade LeBron to come back, Shaw could possibly have this team in the Finals (but they need good role players, too). I'm excited to see what Cleveland does, as the impending, long-awaited free agent class is almost here.
