By Rafael Bandayrel
Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue will miss some games in what he described as “chest pains and other troubling symptoms.”
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski then reported that Lue plans to return before the beginning of the playoffs. However, this season has been frustrating for the defending Eastern Conference champs as they have been in their worst shape in the LeBron James-era.
As drama has been surrounding the Cavaliers from the beginning of the season – from JR Smith earning a suspension for throwing a bowl of soup, to a shouting match between LeBron and Lue – perhaps a change of leadership is necessary.
And with 40-year-old’s condition worsening, it might be what is best for Lue as well. Should Lue walk away from the Cavaliers completely, who are the best candidates as new head coach for the Cavs?
Jeff Van Gundy
Van Gundy’s name always floats whenever an NBA team needs a new head coach, and for good reason.
Van Gundy’s NBA coaching tenure may have been relatively short but his track record is commendable. He coached great teams like Patrick Ewing’s New York Knicks and Tracy McGrady’s Houston Rockets.
During his 10-year coaching stint, Van Gundy only missed the playoffs just once and made the finals in 1999. Should Van Gundy suit up for a run with the Cavaliers, his path to another NBA finals is a clear one with LeBron still playing at an MVP-level.
Mark Jackson
Jackson was hired as the Warriors’ head coach in 2011, and he stayed there for three years until he was replaced by current head coach Steve Kerr.
Additionally, Jackson is respected by LeBron and that would be a great advantage. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported that Jackson is James’ choice after the Cavs had fired David Blatt.
“Before David Blatt ever conducted his first training camp practice in September 2014, Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James and his agent, Rich Paul, had the coach’s succession plan in place: Mark Jackson.”
Plus, how fun would it be for Jackson to get his revenge against the Golden State Warriors in a hypothetical – likely – finals match-up with the Cavs?
David Fizdale
When the Memphis Grizzlies fired Fizdale over a kerfuffle with Marc Gasol, both James and Dwyane Wade voiced their support for their former assistant coach, as they demanded answers for his sacking.
This does not come as a surprise as Fizdale has history with the two including a back-to-back championship as members of the Miami Heat.
And when it comes to fitting in, Fizdale’s defensive mentality should also improve the Cavs’ mediocre-at-best defense. Also, Fizdale has a track record of getting the most out of his players as he has shown during his tenure with the Grizzlies – traits that the struggling Cavs desperate for.
