:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/11743193/gyi0064376447.0.jpg)
Phil Jackson wants to coach again. At least, that's what this report from ESPN.com claims. In fact, ESPN goes as far to say that Phil Jackson is "itching" to coach again.
On the surface, it sounds ridiculous. Why would Phil Jackson, one of the greatest coaches of all time, want to coach in Cleveland? Well, if he really is looking to get back into coaching, there may not be a better opportunity than the young Cavaliers. The Los Angeles Lakers have already stated that Mike D'Antoni will be back on the sidelines next year.
But NBA coaching sources say that stance will not dissuade teams with openings from approaching Jackson this offseason to gauge his interest, with the Nets and Cleveland Cavaliers -- who interviewed Jackson in 2005 and are known to be contemplating a coaching change -- potentially at the top of the list.
And while Cleveland is not Los Angeles, it does present a relatively attractive opportunity for prospective coaches. Kyrie Irving, Dion Waiters, Tristan Thompson, and Anderson Varejao make up a solid core. There's a ton of flexibility as far as the salary cap is concerned. And since Jackson may also want a role in the front office, that flexibility would be attractive. Dan Gilbert is also not shy about spending money and would likely be willing to pay the steep price tag required to lure the Zen Master to the Cavs.
I'm not saying that this is likely -- AT ALL. I just think it's an interesting possibility. I'll go as far to say that it's an incredible longshot. But if Phil wants to coach again, the Cavs might present the best situation for him to enter.
We'll have a lot more on potential replacements for Byron Scott, but I figure that it'd be smart to get the big name out of the way first. Phil Jackson to Cleveland? Not totally insane. Pretty insane, but not totally.