The Cleveland Cavaliers are navigating a crucial phase ahead of the 2024-25 season. The team is in search of a new head coach after parting ways with JB Bickerstaff, and there are rumors that they might trade star guard Darius Garland. However, Cavs GM Koby Altman has reportedly dispelled these rumors in a conversation with a well-known NBA analyst.
James Borrego is one of the candidates for the Cavs’ head coaching position. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Borrego has the potential to be an effective coach for a team with multi-talented guards, such as Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. Despite Garland being speculated as a trade target, Windhorst reports that Altman has been informing coaching candidates that the Cavs have no intention of trading Garland. This commitment to keeping Garland could make the coaching position more appealing to Borrego. However, Borrego’s qualifications are still under scrutiny.
Borrego was the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets from 2018 to 2022 before being dismissed. Windhorst noted that while Borrego’s defensive strategies can be questionable, his offensive capabilities are impressive. Borrego might be the coach who can maximize the potential of the Mitchell-Garland duo.
Despite this, Borrego faces strong competition for the job. Kenny Atkinson is another candidate attracting the Cavs’ interest. Currently an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors, Atkinson previously served as the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets from 2016 to 2020. He played a key role in transforming the Nets from a struggling team into a competitive playoff contender. Atkinson’s expertise in player development could be highly beneficial for Cleveland.
As the Cavaliers search for their next head coach, the players remain focused on their growth and development.
