Despite Brown's firing, Cavaliers retain Assistant Coaches

by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on May 25, 2010 2:11 PM CDT in Cleveland Cavaliers in the News

IN a move that shouldn't be overlooked, the Cavaliers retained key assistant coaches from the Mike Brown ear, a move that means more than meets the eye. Of course, Brian Windhorst is all over the reasons, especially why it was so important to keep Chris Jent, who has quickly become LeBron James personal shooting coach-

Jent, who does have some limited head coaching experience after filling in as an interim coach with the Orlando Magic in 2005, has developed a very strong reputation as James" personal shooting coach. Depending on how things play out, if James re-signs with the Cavs there is good chance Jent would remain with the team.

James and Jent became close during the 2006-07 season when Jent in charge of the Cavs" player development program. Over the past three summers, Jent and James have traveled the world together so that James could continue to work on shooting no matter where his commitments took him. Jent has even gone on vacations with James, a guest on his private jet.

During that time, James" shooting improved and Jent's responsibilities under Brown increased. He was promoted to a full assistant last year and began taking on more in-game and scouting work and moved to the bench from behind the bench, a key promotion in the NBA.

As a trusted coach who knows James personality and work habits well, there is a good chance Jent will be a desired assistant no matter what team James decides to sign with.

Brendan Malone and Melvin Hunt were also retained, a sign that the Cavaliers see them as long-term members of the organization.

All three coaches are talented, and most importantly, they have the trust and respect of the players in the locker room - something that is going to be very important in the weeks and months ahead.

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… key assistant coaches from the Mike Brown ear

Mike Brown’s ear was a better coach than Mike Brown IMO. :P

I think this was a very good move. I’m feeling confident in our front office, if nothing else.

"Whereas I never went fly like some of the boys." -- Ice

by DocRostov on May 26, 2010 9:50 AM CDT reply actions

Maybe someone knows

but when we hire a new coach do they have any say in what assisstants they keep?

by allovertheplace on May 26, 2010 9:58 AM CDT reply actions

No chance

Maybe if they hire a no-name guy who is just wanting a job, then yes. But they obviously are out ot make a big name splash and there is absolutely no shot you get a big name to come to your team and not let him pick his own assistants.

I’d guess they are keeping them for just the time being, and possibly Chris Jent just because he is a close friend of LeBron.

by FYATroll on May 26, 2010 1:39 PM CDT reply actions

Through a personal connection I’ve gotten to know more about Mike Brown off the court. He’s simply a stellar guy. He is the kind of guy that any Cleveland fan would root for. That is what makes this postseason so achingly tough; we know that at some point, this city will win a professional sports title. But my hope is that it comes with good, hard-working people who reflect the hard-working values of the town. That was Mike Brown.

Good luck, and the very best of wishes to a very good man.

by tabler84 on May 26, 2010 7:08 PM CDT reply actions