Report: End of NBA Finals could lead to new name in Cavs coaching search

The end of the 2024 NBA Finals could have an effect on the Cleveland Cavaliers as they search for a new head coach. They might want to talk to Dallas Mavericks assistant Alex Jensen regarding the vacant position.

“How late is it?” These are the same guys we’ve been talking about for weeks. wrote Terry Pluto of Cleveland.com.

“Where is it?

“I keep thinking there must be someone else.

“That someone could be Alex Jensen, an assistant to the Dallas Mavericks.

“Now that the Mavericks have been eliminated from the playoffs, the Cavs can talk to Jensen.”

Pluto added more.

“This doesn’t mean Jensen is their first choice,” Pluto wrote. “That means they want to interview Jensen extensively before making their final choice.”

Working under head coach Jason Kidd, Jensen helped the Mavericks reach the 2024 NBA Finals, which they lost to the Boston Celtics in five matches. Dallas failed to win its first NBA title since 2011 with a series-ending 106-88 loss in Boston on Monday night.

Now that the 2023-24 NBA season is over, teams can begin to take more substantial steps in preparation for the 2024-25 campaign. For example, in addition to having a new window to speak to Jensen as they attempt to replace JB Bickerstaff as head coach, the Cavs may renew their attempt to land superstar Donovan Mitchell with a contract extension .

Jensen has a history with the Cavs, having been the head coach of their G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge (formerly known as the Canton Charge). He was named the league’s Coach of the Year for the 2012–13 season, when it was known as the NBA Development League. He just completed his first season as an assistant coach with the Mavericks after a long stint as an assistant with the Utah Jazz.

Cleveland’s search for a new head coach has been described as “fluid and continuous.” Last week, the Cavs reportedly interviewed five candidates: James Borrego, Kenny Atkinson, Dave Joerger, Micah Nori and Johnnie Bryant.

The Cleveland vacancy is one of two current openings in the NBA, along with the Los Angeles Lakers job. Borrego has reportedly impressed with the Cavs but could also still be a candidate for the Los Angeles job. NBA insider Brian Windhorst said that Cavs opening seen as more attractive than Lakers vacancy.

The Cavs fired Bickerstaff shortly after being eliminated from the 2024 NBA playoffs with a five-game second-round loss to the eventual champion Celtics. This followed a very disappointing first round loss to New York Knicks during the 2023 NBA Playoffs.

Now that this NBA season is over, perhaps Cleveland’s head coaching search will soon be over as well.