Cavs’ Koby Altman: Dan Gilbert Will Be Involved In Coaching Search

Cavaliers president of basketball operations Koby Altman told reporters that, yes, team owner Dan Gilbert will have a hand in the coaching search.

Basically, per Altman, the search will be spearheaded by Altman and the front office, who will then present the candidates to Gilbert.

That’s pretty common in pro sports circles, but one thing we are learning is that Gilbert is back involved with some of the basketball decisions after what felt like a few years away. On the bright side, he brings an additional fire and passion to the basketball side of things.

The Cavaliers are seeking a new head coach after firing J.B. Bickerstaff following five-and-a-half seasons on the job. Altman has been GM/president of basketball operations since July 2017.

Altman added that star guard Donovan Mitchell and his contract extension did not play a role in the decision to part ways with Bickerstaff. “No,” Altman said when asked.

As for the search, Altman did not reveal the names of any candidates, though he said he does have a list and implied it’s different than what is being reported.

As for Mitchell, reports suggest that the Cavs are optimistic he will sign a maximum, four-year contract extension ahead of next season.

It’s also been reported that Mitchell “did not have great confidence” in Bickerstaff.

“Though Cleveland improved under Bickerstaff, his teams scuffled after the All-Star break in each of the last three seasons,” wrote Shams Charania, Joe Vardon and Jason Lloyd for The Athletic. “Also, and perhaps most importantly, Cavs star Donovan Mitchell, among other players, did not have great confidence in Bickerstaff as the coach for the future, numerous league sources have said for most of the season.”

The Cavs finished 48-34 this past season and lost to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the playoffs. They beat the Orlando Magic in seven games in the first.