The Cleveland Cavaliers have been granted permission to interview Golden State assistant Kenny Atkinson and New Orleans assistant James Borrego for their head coaching position. This move comes after the recent firing of J.B. Bickerstaff, who led the team to the second round of the playoffs.
Atkinson and Borrego are the initial candidates contacted by the Cavs as they embark on an extensive search to find a replacement for Bickerstaff. Both coaches have also been linked to the head coaching vacancy with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Washington has already filled its coaching vacancy by retaining Brian Keefe, who served as the interim coach since January.
Cavs president of basketball operations Koby Altman emphasized that there is no set timeline for hiring a new coach. While the team ideally aims to have a coach in place before next month's draft, Altman stressed the importance of making the right decision for the team.
Cleveland's head coaching position is considered attractive due to the team's performance in the previous season. Despite facing numerous injuries, the Cavs won 48 games in the regular season, advanced to the second round of the playoffs, and put up a strong fight against Boston in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Kenny Atkinson, a former head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, has been an assistant under Steve Kerr with the Warriors since 2021. James Borrego, who previously coached the Charlotte Hornets, served as an associate head coach with the New Orleans Pelicans last season and is known for his contributions to improving team offenses.
The Cavs are carefully considering their options as they search for the right fit to lead the team in the upcoming season.
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