This wouldn’t be the big name hire that lures LeBron James back to Cleveland.
The Cavaliers have asked permission to speak with Los Angeles Clippers assistant coach Alvin Gentry, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported on Thursday. One source with knowledge of the coaching search wouldn’t confirm the report, but said the Cavs have not interviewed any candidates yet.
Gentry, 59, is considered a leading candidate for the Cavs job because of his Phoenix ties to General Manager David Griffin. He has a 335-370 record in parts of 12 seasons as a head coach with the Phoenix Suns, Clippers and Detroit Pistons. He also served as interim coach of the Miami Heat.
Cleveland reached out to Florida’s Billy Donovan, but he plans on staying at the collegiate level. Gentry isn’t a bad alternate plan for Cleveland. He’s a guy that will demand respect in the locker room.