Remember When Cavs Were Reportedly Deciding Between Kenny Atkinson And James Borrego?

The Cavaliers are 48-10, best in the NBA, and have emerged as the biggest threat to the defending champion Boston Celtics.

(Coincidentally, the teams meet for a final time this regular season on Friday in Boston.)

As anyone but Kenny Atkinson will tell you, Atkinson is a massive reason behind the Cavaliers’ rise and a true NBA Coach of the Year candidate.

But I was just reflecting earlier today on how a lot of people reported this past offseason that Atkinson may not have been the Cavs’ top choice. Plenty of reports suggested that the Cavs were leaning toward New Orleans Pelicans assistant James Borrego.

That’s not to pick on anybody who reported as much. Aside from our occasional original content (such as this very post), we here at Hoops Wire largely aggregate and write on what others reported first. So I just tend to remember a lot of what was once said and written.

And plenty of reports suggested that Borrego was about to be the Cavs’ main man. But suddenly, almost out of nowhere, president of basketball operations Koby Altman and the front office hired Atkinson.

Nothing against Borrego, but the Cavs clearly made the right choice. No coach in Cavs history has had this type of immediate success. Also, few have fit as seamlessly in the locker room and gained the respect and admiration of the players so quickly. 

Sam's thoughts before the final stretch for the Cavs #LetEmKnow

"This is a very tough but telling stretch for the Cavs"

–@AmicoHoops pic.twitter.com/0B3mPnXgaS

— Full Court Cleveland (@FullCourtCLE) February 22, 2025

Interestingly, Borrego became a top candidate for the Detroit Pistons’ vacancy after the Cavs chose Atkinson. Instead, the Pistons went with former Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff. That too seemed to be the right pick — as the Pistons are having a major rebound of a season.

What’s the lesson here? Nothing. It’s just to show that things are going really well for the Cavs, and that they clearly made the best possible pick in their coaching hire.

Also, if you need to hire a coach this offseason and Borrego is in the running … well, just go with your gut. It sure worked out well in Cleveland.