Free Agency Update: June 29

This is the last installment in my five part series of weekly free agency updates. The other four can be read by clicking on the links below:

Free Agency Update: June 1

Free Agency Update: June 8

Free Agency Update: June 15

Free Agency Update: June 22


With only two days left until July 1, rumors have been circulating at an even wilder pace than previously throughout the month. Here is the latest news pertaining to the key free agents.

Even though LeBron James and Chris Bosh heading to Chicago were almost a "sure thing" according to Sports Illustrated, the latest news from Steven A. Smith is that LeBron will play for Miami next year along with Bosh. Would this duo combined with Dwyane Wade be the success story that everyone expects it to be? Originally, I thought that this would be the best option for each player involved. However, now I'm not so sure. Wade, James, and Bosh are all used to being the leaders on the team. That could certainly create some drama on the Heat, which would obviously still be Dwyane Wade's team. Miami will never embrace James or Bosh in the way that they have embraced Wade simply because he was there first. Even though a "big three" formula worked for Boston (Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett), I do not seeing it working in Miami - at all. Although I do think it would be interesting to watch the drama unfold in Miami once a losing streak of three games happened. My guess is that Chris Bosh would not have a problem giving up his leadership role, but LeBron is so self-oriented that it would eat at him not to be "the man" on the team. No more chalk throwing LBJ...it's Wade's team.

Speaking of LeBron, all of the teams are clamoring to get him. Congratulations. You've signed LeBron, now what? Instant championship right? Nope, sorry Clippers fans. You still wouldn't win. You see, LeBron needs people around him. He can't have just anyone though. He needs a second superstar on the team. He needs a Bosh, Stoudemire, or Boozer on the team. He can't win by himself. Just ask the Cleveland rafters with all of the banners that he's hung with his time on the Cavaliers. LeBron had a great team around him this past year and couldn't shoulder the load in crunch time. Another superstar would attract some attention on the offensive end of the floor, and it would make James more effective.

I would also like to applaud the intelligence and team-awareness of Toronto Raptors' general manager Bryan Colangelo. He stated that Bosh is "likely to leave". Your wit and prediction is unmatched by any other human being following the NBA my friend. Of course Chris Bosh is leaving. Everyone knows this and has known this for quite some time now. I suppose you will also announce that the Raptors will not win a championship next year? Now you're getting a little bold, don't you think?

The New York Knicks will have serious discussions with Joe Johnson and Amare Stoudemire on Thursday and Friday. These two players would be perfect together! (I originally predicted them to be on the same team in my June 1 Free Agency Update.) Keep an eye out for the two of them to make noise in New York next year.

That leaves Carlos Boozer. Where will he sign in the midst of all this mess? Chicago will be his team next year if the rest of the players go to the teams mentioned above. I wouldn't be surprised if Tracy McGrady or Ray Allen would join him either if they are offered enough money to be lured to the Windy City.

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Three Winners and Losers of NBA Draft

The NBA Draft is over. So from now until July 1, there will be a calming lull around the NBA. So, let's look back at the draft and pick out the three winners and three losers of Thursday night.

Winners

The Washington Wizards had a great night for obvious reasons. They drafted John Wall, and now he is officially on the team. They also traded with the Chicago Bulls to obtain Kirk Hinrich. So now, Gilbert Arenas will most likely be shopped to see if any team around the league is interested in him. Although Washington could also opt to add Hinrich off the bench, just so that there is always some offense on the floor in the backcourt. The Wizards also added Trevor Booker and Kevin Seraphin, two big men who should mature nicely and provide some much needed toughness down low.

The Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat are the last two winners of draft night, and they're here for the same reason. They successfully cleared cap space to thwart New York's plan. Before the draft, New York was the only team in the NBA who could attempt to lure LeBron James by offering him and a running mate of his choosing a maximum contract. Now, both Miami and Chicago can do the same. Plus, Miami can re-sign Dwyane Wade, and then offer two contracts.

Losers

The New York Knicks are the biggest loser for the reason highlighted above concerning Miami and Chicago.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are a close second though. Why? They didn't have a pick in the draft, and instead watched teams clear cap room and become even more of an attraction for LeBron to leave.

The New Jersey Nets are my third loser of the draft. Derrick Favors may be a great player in the future, but he doesn't attract any free agents to New Jersey. Evan Turner would have been perfect if he could have fallen to third for the Nets.

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Izzo Will Not Coach in Cleveland

Contradictory to a previous report published by many Cleveland area websites, Tom Izzo will not become the head coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers next year. Izzo has declined a five year, $30 million dollar contract which would have doubled his annual salary from what he currently earns at Michigan State.

Now that the Cavaliers have missed out on the opportunity to sign former Dallas Mavericks head coach Avery Johnson, Byron Scott will likely become the primary target for the Cavs. Scott was the coach of the year with the New Orleans Hornets. If the Cavs sign Scott, this could possibly persuade Chris Paul to join the Cavaliers via trade with New Orleans.

This decision by Izzo to return to MSU offers some valuable insight about the LeBron James sweepstakes this summer. If Izzo had known that James would return to Cleveland, my guess is that he would have taken the job. However, since LeBron has offered no hints as to where he will call home next year, the decision became more of a risk for Izzo. If the Cavaliers could land Scott though, Paul and James could be a formidable combination next year.

Chris Paul is known as a passing point guard and often is in the top three in the league with assists. However, he also is a legitimate scoring option which LeBron is in desperate need of in Cleveland. The trade would likely involve Mo Williams, Antawan Jamison, and/or Jamario Moon.

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Free Agency Update: June 15

I will be posting a weekly Tuesday article dealing with all the latest news about NBA Free Agency from now until July 1. Check back frequently for all of the latest stories and scenarios!

Not much has changed this week in terms of free agency. However, some new developments have surfaced about on-going stories.

First of all, did you know that LeBron James is a wanted man next year? However, he does not know where he will call home just yet. He did endorse the hiring of Tom Izzo by the Cleveland Cavaliers, retracting a previous statement that he would prefer to play for a coach with NBA experience. Izzo is still "undecided" about the head coaching vacancy in Cleveland, but he will likely make up his mind this week. A previous story has him already telling Michigan State players that he will leave the team for Cleveland next year.

Dwyane Wade is attempting to recruit the "best player in free agency" to join him on the Miami Heat next year. Wade has expressed his desire to re-sign with the Heat, and we all know that the Heat will gladly oblige to his request. There's one free agent that has made up his mind. However, he realizes that he cannot take Miami to the Finals alone. He has had dinner with Chris Bosh and talked with Joe Johnson at a Jordan Brand event about a possible future with the Heat. Sources have not indicated whether or not he has spoken with Amare Stoudemire or Carlos Boozer. When asked about the possibility that LeBron James will join him next year Wade simply said, "He's an interesting guy. He's going to do what he wants. He doesn't even know where he's going yet." I'm still betting on the fact that Bosh will play the power forward position for Miami next year.

Amare Stoudemire has stated that he will explore other options if the Phoenix Suns do not offer to re-sign him for a maximum contract. While Stoudemire says that he is excited about the direction that the Phoenix organization has been moving in the past few years, he is also aware that he is a superstar who deserves big money. If the Suns are unwilling to sign him for a maximum contract, I still think that he would be a great fit for the New York Knicks with former head coach Mike D'Antoni. My guess is that Phoenix will re-sign him though.

Lastly, Ray Allen is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. He has also expressed his desire to remain a Celtic and probably retire in Boston as well. Allen is aware that he will take a pay cut from the almost $19 million that he earned this past year. However, if a team does not land any big ticket free agents, that team (most likely New Jersey) could attempt to lure Allen with one final big payday and offer him more money to sign with their club. Where will Ray Allen be playing next year? I still believe that he will remain with Boston as will Paul Pierce who has an early termination option. If the Celtics win the NBA Finals this year, the Big Four will remain intact. If not, I still think that they will give the Finals one last shot next year.

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LeBron, DWade, Turkoglu, and CP3 on the Move?

Below are three rumors that have been recently reported. I'll assign them each a number value from 1 to 10, with 10 being the most likely to happen.

LeBron could be going to New York next year to play basketball. No it's not for the New York Knicks. The Harlem Globetrotters is the newest team that is involved in free agency rumors. In a report released earlier today, the circus like basketball team (also the winningest team in basketball history) is attempting to court both LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. How could they expect to compete with the salaries that will be upwards of $120 million that the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat can offer James and Wade respectively? The Globetrotters are willing to make James and Wade part owners of the organization. While this is certainly an attractive option to the athlete who wants to become a billionaire (James), NBA fans shouldn't worry too much about this option. Both players will be in the NBA next year.

Chance LeBron plays for the Globetrotters? 1

Chance Wade plays for the Globetrotters? 0

Hedo Turkoglu was an integral part of the Orlando Magic's run to the NBA Finals two years ago. This year in Toronto was a very different story, however. Turkoglu struggled for most of the year and never really got into any sort of rhythm on either end of the floor. His averages were down this year to a dismal 11.3 points per game, 4.6 rebounds per game, and 4.1 assists per game. His woes could be over if he is traded to a rebuilding Sacramento Kings team though. With Tyreke Evans, a lottery pick this year, Omri Casspi, and Turkoglu playing for an organization that he wants, the Kings could make progress this year. We'll have to see where this move would go, but most likely it would be Turkoglu for expiring contracts so that the Raptors can attempt to lure some free agents.

Chance Turkoglu is traded to the Kings? 7

The last rumor that is still in somewhat of a developmental stage involves New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul. It's no secret that Paul was not happy with the Hornets performance this past season, and with the possibility that Peja Stojakovic will play in Greece next year, Paul would lose some of the supporting cast that he's become accustomed to. The emergence of Darren Collison isn't exactly a plus for Paul since both players are pure point guards. Chris Paul has been reportedly linked to the Cavaliers for next year. A trade that will likely involve Mo Williams and possibly Jamario Moon or Antawan Jamison could send Paul to handle the ball for the Cavaliers next year. Much like my analysis of the Tom Izzo decision, I see this trade (if it happens) as a positive for Cleveland fans that are praying that LeBron stays in Cleveland. This trade would certainly be a step in the right direction.

Chance Paul is traded to the Cavs? 5

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Tom Izzo to Cavaliers, Avery Johnson to Nets

In a decision that will be likely be announced Friday, Tom Izzo will be the next head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Izzo met with the Michigan State basketball team before the deal was confirmed by Waiting for Next Year. The contract will likely be for 5 years and somewhere around the amount of $30 million, but what does this mean for LeBron?

Like I said before, LeBron will probably not be impacted greatly by this signing. However, something interesting to think about is the fact that Tom Izzo did agree to this deal when he already ran a successful program at Michigan State. Would he leave that for a Cavaliers team that will be without LeBron next year? My gut is telling me no, and that Izzo knows something that the rest of us don't about the LeBron James free agency market. Perhaps the two have talked and LeBron has expressed his wishes to stay in Cleveland, or maybe Izzo knows for certain another big ticket player will be in a Cavaliers uniform. Either way, he wouldn't have left the success he had at MSU for a mediocre Cavaliers team next year. Big moves will be happening in Cleveland.

Avery Johnson, the former coach of the Dallas Mavericks, also verbally agreed to a contract to become the head coach of the New Jersey Nets. This move will reunite him with Devin Harris, who he coached in Dallas. Johnson is probably the best coach on the market, and may have the power to persuade star free agents to join his campaign in New Jersey. With Brooke Lopez and Harris, the Nets are a better team than their record showed last year. A possible free agent signing? Dirk Nowitzki. He also played for Johnson in Dallas, and the two had a great relationship. With Dirk's frustrations with the Mavericks, I wouldn't be surprised if this move takes place.

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Tom Izzo in the NBA?

Ever since the firing of Cleveland Cavaliers coach Mike Brown, Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo has been named as one of the possible candidates to take over the vacancy. However, Izzo has insisted that he will remain a Spartan and will return to MSU next season.

Today a report surfaced that Izzo is the main candidate now for the job in Cleveland if he chooses to take it. He has not been officially offered a contract yet, but will probably begin talks with the Cavaliers' front office sometime this week. Izzo has been quoted as saying that he would like to win one more NCAA national championship with Michigan State before he considers leaving and coaching elsewhere.

The main question involving any decision the Cavaliers make within the next month will be the impact that it will have on LeBron James staying in Cleveland. With the possibility of Tom Izzo taking control of the coaching staff, I do not think that this will have to much of an impact on whether James decides to leave or go. I still believe that in order for LeBron James to succeed in the NBA on a championship level, he needs to be coached by a well respected and established coach that has been around the league for awhile. Examples would be Phil Jackson, Pat Riley, Jerry Sloan, or Greg Popovich. LeBron needs to have someone to tell him what to do in crunch situations, not be walked over like Mike Brown was for years.

If I had to assign a percent chance that Izzo accepts the Cavaliers job, I would say 20%. He has been very clear with his intentions of remaining the head coach of the Spartans, but I think he could be lured to the NBA for the right amount of money.

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Sit Your Ass Down!

I have lived in Ohio ever since I was six years old. So naturally, I love LeBron James.

Okay, I need to apologize. I told a lie in the previous sentence, and I have grown up in a Cleveland suburb since the age of six.

Let's just get this roast started. LeBron James. The "King". Whatever you want to call him. Living only fifteen minutes away, I thought that I would interview him for this article. However, he didn't have much to say. In fact, all I was able to get out of him was "gackkkkk". I'm pretty sure he was still choking from the Eastern Conference Semifinals. But let's be honest folks. If you were in LeBron's shoes, would you have tried in the playoffs? I mean aren't championships just given out these days? Hold on, what do you mean they aren't? Uh oh. Someone better tell him.

As a fan of the NBA, I will admit that James is an excellent player....in the regular season. Come playoff time though the guy has a better vanishing act than Houdini did. Superman took him out last year. The Truth and The Big Ticket stamped his ticket for an early exit this year. LeChoke will be back next year, but if I were him I would try to get the best deal I can on plane tickets. He can book a flight anytime after May 20 though. Not too concerned with him making it to the Finals....and I'm talking about the Conference Finals.

But these recent playoff failures can't be his fault right? Sure Mo Williams didn't show up. You can't tell me that changed the series this past year. The team with the best record for two consecutive years is bounced from the playoffs early in two consecutive years. Not LeBron's problem. Let's fire the coach. He couldn't get it done. Mike Brown was not the head coach of the Cavaliers. King Shame was calling the shots. Mike Brown was a figure head, and anyone who says different is lying to your face.

At least LeBrick is showing some respect for the league that he has in a chokehold though. He's no longer wearing number 23 on his jersey next year in order to honor Michael Jordan. The problem? He's changing it to number 6. Apparently Dr. J isn't worthy of the honor of King Lame. I don't have a problem with a player changing numbers. The best player in the NBA (Kobe Bryant) did it when he stopped wearing 8 and switched to 24. At least he didn't insult our intelligence and claim it was to honor NBA greats. It's a marketing scheme to make more money. Once more, I don't have a problem with it. Just give us a little more respect.

I'm going to have to quickly interrupt this article. LeBron is crying again. It's okay. We all know how to handle this because it happens all too often. Let's just blow a whistle and whatever injury he's acting out will go away. He will then step to the line and make one of two if it's a good day.

Alright now that we have that out of the way let's address LeBonBon's actions throughout the playoffs. A report of him calling John Wall, the point guard from Kentucky, and trying to recruit him for James' marketing agency surfaced right before the playoffs were starting. The playoffs didn't phase The Crab Dribbler though. He was more concerned with the image of his company. Just following in the footsteps of the greatest playoff performers in the NBA. Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant (6 and 4 rings respectively) also wouldn't concentrate on the playoffs right? Hmmm maybe not. Is that how you become successful? Through the hard work that both of these great players have put in? I mean come on, Chris Rock couldn't even break Kobe's concentration in Game One of the NBA Finals Thursday night. If Drama Queen James can laugh so much on the bench when he's chilling with Mo Williams and Anthony Parker, I can only imagine what a professional comedian like Chris Rock would do to his concentration. Shoot the Cavs could have been kicked out of the league by now for their performance if Rock attended Cleveland games. Thank goodness he's a Knicks fan.

Bottom line...LeBron is a good player. He's great. He just doesn't want it enough. He's been coddled by the media ever since his high school years, so he expects success to come his way. Until he matures and realizes that championships are a rarity for a player in this league, he will never be respected on the level that Jordan and Bryant are. So take a long hard look at that limestone sculpture of yourself in front of your house LeBron. Stop with the excuses. Stop with the crying. It's getting old. Put up or shut up. Until then, take your own advice. Sit your ass down.

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A New Coach in Chicago, GM in Cleveland, and Point Guard in Minnesota?

Below is a list of six short stories from around the NBA:

1. Del Negro Out, Thibodeau In

A much anticipated move by the Chicago Bulls was reported today in the fact that there will be a new head coach next year. Tom Thibodeau, the assistant coach to the Boston Celtics, has reportedly accepted the job although an official announcement will have to wait until after the NBA Finals. Thibodeau was also interviewed by the New Orleans Hornets, but opted for Chicago instead. He is largely recognized for the defensive intensity that the Celtics bring to the court. What else does this move mean for Chicago? No John Calipari and LeBron James package deal will occur in the Windy City.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers Done With General Manager Ferry

Another move that happened Friday that didn't surprise anyone around the league was the Danny Ferry will no longer be the general manager for the Cleveland Cavaliers next year. His replacement will have no say in basketball operations. It's all about LeBron at this point, and owner Dan Gilbert will give him everything he asks for if he intends to stay. (More on LeBron later in this article.)

3. Marquis Daniels Should Play In Game Two

Marquis Daniels, reserve shooting guard for the Boston Celtics, will likely play in tomorrow night's game against the Los Angles Lakers. Daniels hasn't played since suffering a concussion in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Finals. The impact that he will have on the Celtics' game plan is simple. Not much to contribute to the offensive game plan, but Daniels will allow Boston to have one more reserve defender to take on Kobe Bryant for Game Two should Ray Allen get in foul trouble again.

4. Garnett Has "Lost A Step"

This is a classic case of the media blowing another quote out of proportion after taking it out of context. Pau Gasol praised Celtics power forward Kevin Garnett, but also noted that he has "lost a step" since the 2008 NBA Finals. Of course he has. All players lose quickness and agility with age and Garnett is no different. Gasol wasn't maliciously attacking Garnett. He simply said that Garnett is now more of a jump shooter rather than the post up player he once was. Garnett is obviously still a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court. No harm meant by Gasol.

5. Shaquille O'Neal Takes on Spelling Bee Champion

Last night at the national spelling bee, Shaq challenged last year's champion to a spell off in the near future. He will be allowed two misspelled words, and will likely need both life lines. I'm just curious if this will come before or after his UFC Match?

6. Ricky Rubio Could Play in 2011-2012

Ricky Rubio, the Spanish point guard, was recently quoted as saying that he could arrive in the NBA for the 2011-2012 season. However, he did not limit his options to just playing in Minnesota. Rubio said that he would come over to the United States, but the Timberwolves (who drafted him number four overall last year) would have to improve from their 15 win season this past year or he would consider going with another team. If I worked for the front office of the T Wolves, I would try to sign a free agent or two this offseason so that the guy can showcase his stuff on my homecourt. Rubio will be an excellent passer and point guard in the NBA, but he also must improve his outside shooter to be a legitimate offensive threat.

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Is Kobe or LeBron Number One?

The Black Mamba or The King? This has been the topic of constant debate ever since LeBron entered the league seven years ago. In his rookie season and earlier in his career it was very clear that Kobe was still the best player in the NBA. Currently there is so much arguing over whom is better, that almost every NBA enthusiast has an opinion. Unlike other sports websites that include categories such as "best nickname" or "who would win in a fight" to determine the better player, I will examine the facts. Awards, head-to-head records, stats, and something I like to call "The Closer Factor" which I will award two points for being able to "close" this argument.

Awards

LeBron James

* 2x NBA Most Valuable Player: 2009, 2010
* NBA Rookie of the Year: 2004
* NBA Scoring Champion: 2008
* 2x NBA All-Star Game MVP: 2006, 2008
* 6x NBA All-Star: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
* 6x All-NBA:
*First Team: 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010
*Second Team: 2005, 2007
* 2x NBA All-Defensive:
*First Team: 2009, 2010
* NBA All-Rookie First Team: 2004

Kobe Bryant

* NBA Most Valuable Player (2008)
* 4× NBA Champion (2000, 2001, 2002, 2009)
* NBA Finals MVP (2009)
* 12× NBA All-Star (1998, 2000–2010)
* 2× NBA scoring champion (2006–2007)
* 8× All-NBA First Team (2002–2004, 2006–2010)
* 2× All-NBA Second Team (2000–2001)
* 2× All-NBA Third Team (1999, 2005)
* 8× All-Defensive First Team (2000, 2003–2004, 2006–2010)
* 2× All-Defensive Second Team (2001–2002)
* NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1997)
* 3× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2002, 2007, 2009)
* NBA Slam Dunk Contest winner (1997)

Obviously, rings outweigh MVP trophies. Although LeBron has a very impressive trophy case for such a young player, this category goes to the Black Mamba. He has been in the league longer which means more awards. However, for all of those who are livid at my analysis and are screaming at your monitors saying that I'm biased because Kobe is older, I have a question for you. Who won the NBA title last year at this supposed "old age" and was named the Finals MVP? I'm pretty sure that when LeBron made it to finals against the San Antonio Spurs, the Spurs were offered a team endorsement deal from Swiffer after completing the 4-0 sweep. Just joking Cavs fans, keep reading.

Score: Kobe 1, LeBron 0

Head-to-Head Records

LeBron wins this category because his Cavaliers have beaten Kobe and the Lakers eight times while the Kobe's Lakers have emerged victorious against the King and his court only six times.

Score: Kobe 1, LeBron 1

Statistics

Below is a comparison of career stats between James and Bryant. Bolded fields indicate that the player holds a lead in that category.

LeBron James:

Minutes Per Game: 40.3
Field Goal Percentage: 47.5 %
Three Point Percentage: 32.9 %
Free Throw Percentage: 74.2 %
Rebounds Per Game: 7.0
Assists Per Game: 7.0
Steals Per Game: 1.7
Blocks Per Game: .9
Points Per Game: 27.8

Kobe Bryant:

Minutes Per Game: 36.4
Field Goal Percentage: 45.5 %
Three Point Percentage: 34.0 %
Free Throw Percentage: 83.8 %
Rebounds Per Game: 5.3
Assists Per Game: 4.7
Steals Per Game: 1.5
Blocks Per Game: .6
Points Per Game: 25.3

LeBron obviously wins this category.

Score: Kobe 1, LeBron 2

Which brings us to:

"The Closer Factor"

Kobe Bryant is the best closer in the game. Period. End of discussion. Ok that's enough stammering and whining Cleveland fans. Let me pose this question? Who closed out this season on a higher note? Who has not allowed a single team to beat him on his home court this postseason? I'll give you a hint, LeBron collapsed and choked on his home court against Boston. If I had five seconds left in a game, I would want the ball in Bryant's hands. LeBron is a very effective player WHEN HE DRIVES TO THE HOOP. His jump shot has improved, but in clutch situations I would want a better shooter to handle the ball. "But Kobe's field goal percentage is lower than LeBron's! Surely that means he's the better shooter?" Nope. LeBron drives more which increases his field goal percentage. However, in straight up jump shots Kobe has the edge.

Final Score: Kobe 3, LeBron 2

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Shaq Serious About UFC

Apparently Cavalier's center Shaquille O'Neal was simply misunderstood last summer. When Shaq proclaimed that his goal was to "get a ring for the King" we all assumed it was an NBA Championship ring. Now I'm second guessing myself on what exactly Shaq meant.

Shaq wants to enter the octagon and fight in a cage match. He trains for mixed martial arts (MMA) every summer. Ohhhhh could that be why he disappeared in the playoffs? Some extra training time? Maybe Mo Williams wants to be an MMA fighter, too. Okay that's enough. I'm sorry Cavs fans; I know the wounds haven't yet healed.

O'Neal challenged the biggest star in UFC, Chuck Liddell,to a bout, but UFC President Dana White is completely confident that the UFC poster boy would easily handle O'Neal. So how excited should Shaq fans and MMA fans be about a possible crossover match or two to the sport? It doesn't seem likely within the next few months, but Shaq could participate sometime in 2011.

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Mike Brown Fired

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Mike Brown era has ended. Brown was the head coach of the organization for the past five years, but he failed to win a championship with Cleveland so he was fired earlier today. This move was expected after the Cavaliers' early exit from the playoffs due to the Boston Celtics. How does this affect the LeBron James sweepstakes? By firing Mike Brown, the Cavaliers have all but said "we will do whatever you want in order to keep you". This will allow LeBron to hand pick his next head coach if he decides to remain in Cleveland.

There are four main options for the Cavaliers' next head coach. However, none of these names will be brought in unless LeBron James approves them based on the stipulation that he will sign with Cleveland this offseason. The front-runner at this point is Avery Johnson, formerly the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks. Johnson is currently an NBA analyst, but he has expressed interest in returning to the NBA this next season. Byron Scott, the former New Orleans Hornets head coach, is also a proven winner and has experience. Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski is also an option, and he has a history with LeBron through coaching the recent gold medal team at the Olympics. The fourth option for Cleveland is Tom Izzo of Michigan State. However, I believe that Izzo will stay with the Spartans just as I believe that Krzyzewski will remain the head coach of the Duke Blue Devils next season. Although many college coaches are always considered for head coaching jobs in the NBA, few make the jump, and even fewer are successful. Look for Johnson, Scott, or a different coach to be calling the shots for the Cavaliers next season.

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