The Cavs taking their time is just how it should be in HC search

The Cleveland Cavaliers and general manager Koby Altman are taking their sweet time in their head coaching search, which is a sound approach.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and former head coach Larry Drew mutually parted ways last week, as was reported by The Athletic and Stadium’s Shams Charania, and it appears that the Cleveland organization is going to take its time with their head coaching search, which is the right approach.

As we’ve touched on here at KJG, due to the team reportedly staying engaged throughout a tough season (finishing at 19-63, per NBA.com) and with the development of players such as Collin Sexton, Cedi Osman, Ante Zizic and Larry Nance Jr., Drew did an admirable job, and the organization and the team’s players seemed very appreciative of the veteran coach’s hard work in 2018-19.

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That being said, this next head coaching decision is so crucial to the Cavaliers turning around their team in the next few years, and general manager Koby Altman and the front office fully understand the importance of them getting the right person.

Based on reports from members of the local and national media over the last week or so, it seems that the Cleveland Cavaliers will have a long process when it comes to naming their new head coach, and as was previously noted, that is just how it should be.

When responding to a fan asking about other potential names in the Cavs’ coaching search in a recent addition of what is essentially mailbag Twitter questions, Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor noted how the Cavs met with Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Jamahl Mosley and Miami Heat assistant coach Juwan Howard, which mark the first interviews for the head coaching position to this point, and then expanded on that response, saying this.

"“Beyond that, the Cavs don’t have anything scheduled. Not yet anyway. They will wait to see how the first round of the postseason shakes out before scheduling interviews. General manager Koby Altman said from the beginning he wanted to take his time with this process, making sure the organization finds the best person. Altman also said he would be respectful to coaches in the playoffs, allowing them to focus on their current responsibilities.Utah assistant Alex Jensen will be on that list. The Jazz are down 0-2 against Houston. Portland’s David Vanterpool could have extra time depending on what happens between the Blazers and Thunder. The Nuggets have two assistants (Jordi Fernandez and Wes Unseld Jr.) who possess the characteristics Cleveland’s front office wants. The Cavs might have to wait a bit if they want to speak with Milwaukee assistant Darvin Ham. This is not expected to be a quick process.”"

The next Cleveland head coach, along with assistants of course, will be tasked with continuing to keep players such as Osman and Sexton on an upward trajectory, in addition to making sure the Cavs’ two draft picks in the 2019 NBA Draft and future picks in coming years develop nicely, along with still getting the most out of Kevin Love.

Whether Cleveland deems that responsibility is best-suited for a hungry first-time head coach, or a potential retread with experience developing young players, such as former Sacramento Kings head coach Dave Joerger, who was reportedly fired for some reason but did a nice job this season, as the Kings had their best record in the last 13 years (h/t USA TODAY’s Jeff Zillgitt).

This is a huge decision for the franchise, and them taking the appropriate time to weigh all of their potential options is, once again, just how it should be, because this full-rebuild in going to take a number of years.