Cavaliers to kick NBA free agency off with Byron Scott
The Cleveland Cavaliers have kicked off their 2010 free agency by reportedly agreeing terms with a new head coach.
The Cavs are reportedly close to finishing a deal with Byron Scott, the former New Orleans Hornets coach, after he impressed during interviews earlier in the week. Scott could now become LeBron James’ next head coach and seemingly it’s an appointment James agrees with.
James has reportedly asked for a coach who is more of a disciplinarian than a player’s coach and in Scott that’s what they have. James has also reportedly asked for a coach who is a former player and has championship experience, and Scott brings that to the table too, winning three titles as a player with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1985, 1987 and 1988.
If Scott were to take over it would be his third coaching job in the NBA after first coaching the New Jersey Nets from 2001-2004 and then the New Orleans Hornets for six years from 2004-2010. Whilst coaching the Hornets, Scott led the team to a 56-win season earning him the Coach of the Year award in 2008.
Another reason Scott impressed the Cavaliers was the relationship he maintained with superstars while with New Jersey and New Orleans. Scott managed to keep relations with Jason Kidd in New Jersey and Chris Paul in New Orleans, and with Paul being one of James’ best friends the Cavs are hoping it will sway LeBron to stay in Cleveland.
Scott isn’t the Cavaliers first choice - they previously offered the job to Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, but without the promise of James staying, and despite a $6million a year salary, Izzo declined the offer from Cleveland.
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