How’s this scenario: Mike Woodson as LeBron’s next coach?
If the Cavaliers don't hire Tom Izzo...
...Mike Woodson may be a fallback.
Of the all the unlikely developments that could occur this NBA offseason, how would this one rank: Cleveland Cavaliers coach . . . Mike Woodson?
Woodson, dropped after six seasons with the Hawks, has been “contacted” by the Cavaliers, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Wonder what LeBron James thinks about this? Or has he already sold his house?
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo remains the first choice of owner Dan Gilbert to replace the fired Mike Brown, but the team also has had a phone conversation with former New Jersey and New Orleans coach Bryon Scott. As for Woodson, here’s an excerpt from the Plain Dealer story:
A league source said the team has made contact with former Hawks coach Mike Woodson and may talk with him further. Woodson coached Atlanta for the past six seasons and led the team to a 53-29 record this past season.
Also, sources indicated the Cavs have interest in talking to Lakers assistant Brian Shaw.
Needless to say, the Cavs have a complex search on their hands if Izzo decides to stay in East Lansing. James’ free agency, of course, being the biggest variable of them all.
I’m sure the Woodson thing is a long shot — it’s possible he could be hired as an assistant — but can we be sure?
For what it’s worth, Cleveland’s new general manager is Chris Grant, who stepped into the position after Danny Ferry’s sudden resignation. Grant is a former assistant under the Hawks’ Billy Knight. Knight hired Woodson but he also tried to fire him during the 2008 season, only to be overruled by Atlanta Spirit owners.
Confused yet?
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61 comments Add your comment
steve brown
June 13th, 2010
4:57 pm
Woodsen got out at the perfect time, the acme of his Hawk coaching career. No one in his or hers right mind really think the Hawks can go much further than they have. Woodsen will eventually get a good contract somewhere, he has the growth record to support it.
The main reason Drew was hired was to give them a shot at signing Joe Johnson. It is that simple.
Clyde
June 13th, 2010
5:25 pm
By the allstar break FIRE WOODY t-shirts will be the hottest thing selling in Cleveland.
3DawgKnight
June 13th, 2010
5:31 pm
I think woodson to the Clippers is plausible.
A Woodson – LeBron tandem in LA would be fun.
Could he then shave his brows n’ wear shades.
Charles Edwards
June 13th, 2010
5:36 pm
The Atlanta Hawks made the best of a bad situation in hiring Larry Drew as coach of the Hawks.
They should have nevered fired Coach Woodson. It was a “knee jerk” reaction to a bad playoff series. The Hawks were the fourth best team in the Eastern Conference. Mr. Woodson took the Hawks from a dismal 13 win season to a 53 game winning season.
THANK you Coach Mike Woodson for bringing the Atlanta Hawks franchise back to respectability. We wish you and your family good luck and success. THANKS !!!
Go Hawks in 2010-2011.
DHD
June 13th, 2010
6:12 pm
You would love it. It gives you more ex-ATL to write about.
KevinM
June 13th, 2010
7:02 pm
Yeah, let’s blame JJ for the iso offense here in Atlanta. Get rid of both Woody and JJ and keep the loyal lieutenant. Perfect description on how we get past the 2nd round of the playoffs.
I will watch as usual, but I don’t see how we improved with this coaching move. It was about the cash and the continued ineptness of the ASG to build a championship organization. The loyal assistant waits for 6 years, then a new GM comes in and says “Here is where we make our move”. And we probably dont’ need #2 to be on the roster.
Woody can be mentioned but should never ever get a job over Byron Scott, whom we had zero interest in. That should say all that needs to be said for our team’s management.
I wouldn’t want BS either; his appearances in the Finals and WCF were a fluke! It was despite his coaching.
David West has never played better than under BS. Too many examples to show the ASG how we as fans think about their decisions.
At least they won’t be paying 2 coaches at the same time. That’s good economics! Hey, perhaps we go with one less assistant now? Save a bit more on the bottom line.
Najeh Davenpoop
June 13th, 2010
7:59 pm
Woodson is not a TERRIBLE coach, and it’s quite possible he could take another lottery team and make them a playoff contender. But he is not a guy who will take a current playoff team to a championship. If Mike Brown can’t win with the Cavs, it ain’t happening with Woody either.
RB
June 14th, 2010
7:50 am
I’m A Cleveland and Atlanta fan. I would prefer he not coach either team. Woodson is a fair coach, just not the one Cleveland needs.
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Jeff D.
June 14th, 2010
4:08 pm
Woodson to the Clips makes more sense. Sterling is a one man Spirit group…