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[Saba Sports News] The last head coaching vacancy in the Eastern Conference may soon be filled.
On Monday’s episode of “Get Up,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that James Borrego is gaining momentum for the Cleveland Cavaliers head coach position.
“James Borrego is gaining momentum in Cleveland,” Windhorst said. “He’s expected to interview there early this week as a potential leading candidate.”
The Cavaliers recently parted ways with head coach JB Bickerstaff after over four seasons. They have already interviewed several notable candidates, including Minnesota Timberwolves lead assistant Micah Nori and New York Knicks associate head coach Johnnie Bryant, who has a close relationship with Cavs star Donovan Mitchell. A couple of weeks ago, a different candidate was considered the frontrunner.
Borrego, 46, brings NBA head coaching experience, having served as interim head coach of the Orlando Magic in 2014-15 and head coach of the Charlotte Hornets from 2018-22. While his career record of 148-183 (.447) isn’t stellar, he is respected within the league, coming from Gregg Popovich’s coaching tree and winning NBA titles as an assistant with the San Antonio Spurs in 2005 and 2007. He also rebuilt his reputation this season as the associate head coach for the New Orleans Pelicans.
Earlier this month, Borrego was reportedly a finalist for a head coaching job in the Western Conference. Now, he appears to be a strong contender for the 48-win Cavaliers.