Cavs’ Coaching Hire A Layered Front Office Decision

Donovan Mitchell’s mentor during their time with the Utah Jazz, his hiring is layered.

Cavs’ Johnnie Bryant Hire A Layered Front Office Decision

On the surface, Bryant’s relationship with Mitchell simply provides an intangible benefit, making their franchise star even more comfortable in Cleveland.

Though Mitchell re-upped with the Cavs, signing a three-year contract extension, he can still become a free agent as early as 2027. He could even request a trade if Cleveland began to spiral. In this era, stars aren’t shy about taking their destiny into their own hands. To that point, Mitchell has enjoyed his time in Northeast Ohio, but feelings are fluid.

A Man To Be Taken Seriously

However, by making Bryant the associate head coach, he becomes more than a confidant. With his title comes power and influence that reverberates through the franchise.

Players will understand that he’s not just there for Mitchell’s sake. With that knowledge, he should have a stronger voice in the locker room. Peers may grow to respect him as a tactician and strategist. At this point, he’s been labeled as a communicator and developer. Yet, as a former college point guard who has coached under Quin Snyder and Tom Thibodeau, his work with the clipboard should be first-rate.

Perhaps most importantly, Cavs executives will have him under the microscope.

This is both to make sure he can handle the promotion and to determine if he’ll get another one. That isn’t to say that he’s there to take Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson’s job. Nonetheless, if Cleveland determines that Atkinson can’t take them to the promised land, they may give Bryant an opportunity.

The Damian Lillard Factor

Bryant’s bond with Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard may also be significant.

For now, the Cavs are wed to Darius Garland. Their starting point guard since 2021-22, Garland’s ascension may have been slowed by Mitchell. Due to the financial focus of Klutch Sports clients, this could lead to his agency desiring a trade. After all, if Garland plateaus, his value will either stagnate or decline. With that being said, if Garland has hit his ceiling, Cleveland may want to divorce him anyways.

If so, Lillard becomes an intriguing option.

Lillard’s first season with the Bucks didn’t go smoothly, which can’t be what a player wants late in their career. This could lead to him looking at his options for his playing future. If so, the Cavs could be an attractive destination.

They’ll have one of the top guards in the game. They’ll have one of the top big man duos in the league. Lillard will also have a positive and longstanding relationship with the associate head coach.

The Cavs may not want to move Garland. However, it’s hard to turn down a player with seven career seasons scoring at least 25 points per game. If Garland can’t shift gears, becoming a more formidable scorer, it’ll leave Cleveland with a choice.