The Cleveland Cavaliers are looking for their new next head coach following the dismissal of J.B. Bickerstaff on Thursday with the latest odds now out
Fresh off their first journey to the Eastern Conference semifinals in six years, the Cavs face uncertainties regarding Donovan Mitchell’s future with the team, potentially complicating the search for Bickerstaff’s successor.
According to reports, New Orleans Pelicans assistant James Borrego emerges as one of the frontrunners, with former Charlotte Hornets coach being favored at 3/1 by sports betting.
Cleveland Cavaliers new next head coach odds and favorites candidates names list for 2024-2025
Kenny Atkinson, currently an assistant with the Golden State Warriors, also makes the early shortlist, though his odds stand slightly longer at 5/1 compared to Sam Cassell’s 4/1.
The Cleveland Cavaliers should hire the greatest Cav of all time, Mark Price, to be their next head coach. pic.twitter.com/EG8VcEIJTY
— Nick Adams (Alpha Male) (@NickAdamsinUSA) May 24, 2024
Atkinson, 56, boasts prior head coaching experience with the Brooklyn Nets over four seasons, and has an extensive background as an assistant with teams like the New York Knicks and the Atlanta Hawks.
Cassell, 54, presently serves as an assistant with the Boston Celtics, having previously worked with the Washington Wizards, Philadelphia 76ers, and the Los Angeles Clippers post his playing career in 2009.
While JJ Redick lacks coaching experience at both college and NBA levels, he’s been linked to several potential openings this year, including a consideration for the Lakers alongside Borrego and Atkinson.
In total, odds are being offered on 23 candidates, ranging from established figures like Borrego and Atkinson to intriguing longshots such as college coaching legends Mike Krzyzewski and Rick Pitino.
Odds for the Next Cleveland Cavaliers Head Coach
James Borrego (3/1)
Sam Cassell (4/1)
Kenny Atkinson (5/1)
JJ Redick (6/1)
David Adelman (7/1)
Chris Quinn (8/1)
Phil Handy (9/1)
Terry Stotts (10/1)
Frank Vogel (14/1)
Adrian Griffin (16/1)
Mike D’Antoni (20/1)
Micah Nori (33/1)
Tyronn Lue (33/1)
Becky Hammon (40/1)
Johnnie Bryant (40/1)
Luke Walton (40/1)
Dave Joerger (45/1)
Mark Jackson (45/1)
Mike Brown (50/1)
Jay Wright (75/1)
Steve Nash (75/1)
Mike Krzyzewski (100/1)
Rick Pitino (100/1)
The looming offseason question for the Cavs revolves around whether to potentially trade Mitchell or the young star Darius Garland, with the latter possibly seeking a move should Cleveland retain Mitchell.
Despite an injury-plagued series resulting in a five-game defeat to the Boston Celtics, the Cavaliers managed to overcome the Orlando Magic in seven games this season.
Bickerstaff, 45, accrued a record of 170-159 since taking over from John Beilein in February 2020. Under his guidance, the Cavaliers progressed from a 22-50 record in his first full season to a notable improvement of 44-38 in the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 campaign.
They further surged to 51-31 in 2022-23 before concluding the recent season with a 48-34 record.
ALSO READ: Oshi no Ko chapter 151 release date, time, spoilers and where to read online