Cleveland Cavaliers Name Mike Brown as New Head Coach

Apr. 7, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Mike Brown during the game against the Phoenix Suns at the US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Lakers 125-105. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Just a week after firing Byron Scott, who recorded three straight losing seasons, the Cleveland Cavaliers have come to terms with Mike Brown as their next head coach (again).

Brown was fired by the Los Angeles Lakers five games into the season, lasting just one season and five games with the Lakers.  He enjoyed great success in his first stint as head coach of the Cavaliers (2005-2010), going 272-138 in five seasons, taking Cleveland to the playoffs every year.  His time with the Cavs also included a trip to the NBA finals in 2007, before being fired after the 2010 playoffs shortly after Lebron James announced he was leaving Cleveland.

The deal is reportedly worth four years, $20 million, with an option for a fifth year.  Ironically, the man who Brown replaced with the Lakers, Phil Jackson, was contacted by the Cavs, after reports came out that he is seriously considering about making a comeback to the sidelines next season.

Some saw Brown’s success in his first go-around as a byproduct of James’ play.  While the two have a good relationship, it was evident that the team, offense, and surrounding pieces were all built and designed to fit James.  Brown’s quick stint with the Lakers may have exposed some of his rather questionable coaching style, most notably, installing the Princeton offense before the season began, in an attempt to establish offensive continuity between stars Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Pau Gasol, and Dwight Howard.

Brown will have a new franchise player who may be on the verge of developing into the game’s next superstar, point guard Kyrie Irving, who averaged 22.5 points and 5.9 assists in his second season.  Irving was made the all-star team, and the Cavs will have a substantial amount of salary cap space.

How will the Cleveland Cavaliers do next season?

Make the playoffs

(22%, 2 Votes)

Win the Central Division

(0%, 0 Votes)

Finish at .500

(22%, 2 Votes)

Another losing season

(56%, 5 Votes)

Total Voters: 9