Even the players are confused. If Mike Brown’s franchise-best .663 career winning percentage wasn’t good enough, where do the Cleveland Cavaliers go from here?
"Do I think he deserved it? No," point guard Mo Williams told ESPN of Brown’s firing. "My question is: Who's out there that's better? He's not a bad coach. To fire him, that's making a big statement. After him, you have to get a Hall of Fame coach."
Well, I’m not sure that’s an accurate point. While a resume stacked with personal accolades and championships would certainly appeal to the Cavs’ brass, general manager Danny Ferry will comb each candidate for that one X factor: a reason for LeBron James to stay in Cleveland.
The coach is a great motivator? Fine. He has a proven track record? OK. James has a soft spot for the new leader's wife’s homemade pecan pie? Whatever it takes.
The following is a list five coaches who could keep LeBron in Cleveland.
Avery Johnson
Maybe it’s Johnson’s dedication to spending time with his kids, Cassandra and Avery Jr. Or maybe ESPN will stop at nothing to keep his wit and candor on set. Regardless, the General hasn’t been sighted pacing a bench since he was dismissed by the Mavericks after losing in the first round of the 2008 playoffs. But why is he a good fit for James? Look no further than his sleepy performance in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. James needs a fiery leader who will get in his face when he lacks energy, and Johnson is relentless.
Mike Krzyzewski
Coach K’s name already has been circulating in Cleveland media circles as a possible replacement for Brown, and it makes sense for James from a psychological standpoint. He’s scarred by back-to-back playoff duds and the media scrutiny that’s come along with them. The best way to restore James’ faith in Cleveland is to bring in a coach with whom he’s actually won a title — the 2008 Olympic gold medal — his only championship since becoming a professional.
John Calipari
Just for a minute, ignore the fact that Calipari and James are buddies. Calipari is a marketing genius. He lured Marcus Camby to the University of Massachusetts and Derek Rose (among others) to the University of Memphis, granted by somewhat questionable means. Calipari has the savvy to invite Drake to a University of Kentucky basketball practice. I’m not sure what you give a guy with a $90 million shoe deal, but I have a hunch coach Cal could pull a few strings and bring it to the Rust Belt.
Phil Jackson
Before Michael Jordan won a championship, Doug Collins coached the Bulls. Before Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal won a championship, Del Curry and Kurt Rambis coached the Lakers. If James is a history buff, it would be no surprise for him to see Mike Brown as his personal Doug Collins. The Lakers want Jackson to take a pay cut, and the Nets and Bulls are rumored to be interested in his services. But Ferry should make a plea to Jackson — he knows how to manage superstars.
Gregg Popovich
Tim Duncan is the poster boy for the player who never left home, and Popovich must have had a huge influence on his decision. But why stop there? David Robinson, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker (fingers crossed) are all lifetime Spurs. Popovich specializes in building an atmosphere of winning and loyalty, a quality the Cavs must sell James on if he’s to stay in Cleveland.
