RealGM Basketball Wiretap

Cavaliers Win Lottery; Magic, Wizards In Top-3

Tue, 21 May 2013 20:52:23 EDT

The 2013 NBA Draft Lottery was held on Tuesday in Times Square with the Cleveland Cavaliers winning for the second time in three years and third time in ten years. The Washington Wizards moved up from the eighth slot to draft third.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers
2. Orlando Magic
3. Washington Wizards
4. Charlotte Bobcats
5. Phoenix Suns
6. New Orleans Pelicans
7. Sacramento Kings
8. Detroit Pistons
9. Minnesota Timberwolves
10. Portland Trail Blazers
11. Philadelphia 76ers
12. Toronto Raptors
13. Dallas Mavericks
14. Utah Jazz

Sources: Rockets Intrigue Dwight Howard

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:22:37 EDT

The Houston Rockets have emerged as an attractive free agent possibility for Dwight Howard, according to sources.

Howard became familiar with the area after spending part of two summers ago working with Hakeem Olajuwon.

Howard is also intrigued by the possibility of playing with James Harden.

Howard will engage in the free agency process and is expected to hear pitches from the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks and the Rockets.

Greg Oden 'Looks Ready To Go'

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:46:49 EDT

Greg Oden is attempting to return to the NBA after not playing since 2009.

Oden has received interest from the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, amongst other teams.

Deshaun Thomas, who attended Ohio State like Oden, said on Thursday that the two have been working out.

"Man, he looks unbelievable," he said at the draft combine. "He's running. He's lifting weights. You might be seeing a comeback. He looks like he's ready to go. He's running, getting in shape. I'll tell you one thing. For a big 7-footer that's all he does, running and getting in shape. He's looking right."

Cavaliers Appear To Be Targeting Small Forward In Draft

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:40:50 EDT

The Cleveland Cavaliers appear to be looking to upgrade at the small forward position in the upcoming NBA draft.

Otto Porter is considered the top-ranked small forward.

“I’m pretty sure the Cavs are praying right now that Otto Porter is there on the board when they draft,” said ESPN draft analyst Chad Ford. “He is a perfect fit for them. If he’s off the board, I do think there is a question mark there. I think ‘3’ is the position they need the most.

“While we thought three was going to be stronger, we thought Shabazz Muhammad would be a guy that would be a great fit there. I think his play at UCLA has raised major question marks whether that’s the case.”

The Cavaliers will have four of the top 33 picks in the June draft.

Lillard, Davis, Beal, Waiters, Barnes On 2013 All-Rookie First Team

Tue, 14 May 2013 14:39:00 EDT

Damian Lillard headlines the 2013 NBA All-Rookie Team as a unanimous selection.

Bradley Beal, Anthony Davis, Dion Waiters and Harrison Barnes joined Lillard on the All-Rookie First Team.

On the All-Rookie Second Team is Andre Drummond, Jonas Valanciunas, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kyle Singler and Tyler Zeller.

LeBron Talks About Elbow Injury Of 2010 Playoffs

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:21:15 EDT

LeBron James has often worn a padded sleeve on his right elbow since he first suffered an injury during the 2010 NBA playoffs.

James received an MRI on the elbow, but never discussed the extent of the injury.

James shot 11-for-35 over the final two games of the Cleveland Cavaliers' second round loss to the Boston Celtics, his final games with the franchise.

"My last year in Cleveland, I had an elbow injury that lingered throughout the playoffs," said James.

"I just tried to go out there and give it all you got. It sucks because you know you can play much better. You know you can do things but the injury is not allowing you to do it. It was on my shooting arm, so it was very tough. So I know what he's going through."

Cavaliers Receive Permission To Interview Lakers Player Development Coach Phil Handy

Fri, 10 May 2013 20:05:02 EDT

The Cleveland Cavaliers have received permission to interview Los Angeles Lakers player development coach Phil Handy.

Handy was hired by the Lakers after the NBA lockout in 2011.

Mike Brown has two spots to fill on his coaching staff.

Cavaliers Interested In Trading For LaMarcus Aldridge

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:10:56 EDT

The Cleveland Cavaliers have held internal discussions of pursuing a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers for LaMarcus Aldridge, according to sources.

The Cavaliers have enough assets in the form of young players and picks to acquire a player of Aldridge's caliber, but the front office is said to value Tristan Thompson and Dion Waiters higher than the rest of the NBA.

Mike Brown Agrees To Return To Cavaliers

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:09:53 EDT

Mike Brown has an agreement with the Cleveland Cavaliers to return as head coach.

The agreement is described as being in 'handshake' in nature.

Brown has a career record of 314-167 during his 481 games with the Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers. Brown won 66 and 61 games during his final two seasons with the Cavaliers, but failed to win a title with a team built around LeBron James.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! reports that Brown will sign a five-year deal worth more than $20 million.

James has been linked to a potential return to the Cavaliers in 2014, though the presence of Brown would represent an unknown factor in his decision-making process.

Jackson Uninterested In Cavaliers' Position, Seeks Front Office Role

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:32:33 EDT

Representatives of Phil Jackson have informed the Cleveland Cavaliers that he is not interested in the franchise's coaching vacancy, according to sources.

The Cavaliers fired Byron Scott last week.

Jackson, according to sources, is more interested in taking a front office position with an NBA team.

The Cavaliers assumed Jackson would not be interested in becoming their head coach, but considered it an aspect of their due diligence.

Mike Brown Meets With Gilbert About Cavaliers' Vacancy

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:16:41 EDT

Mike Brown met with Dan Gilbert on Sunday for the first time since his departure as head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2010.

Brown is the first candidate to speak with Gilbert since the Cavaliers fired Byron Scott last week.

Brown appears to be the frontrunner for the job, but the Cavaliers have also reached out to Phil Jackson.

Brown became head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers in 2011 and was fired in November of 2012.

Cavaliers Gauge Phil Jackson's Interest In Coaching Job

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 23:41:04 EDT

The Cleveland Cavaliers have reached out to Phil Jackson to gauge his interest in the team's head coach opening, according to sources.

Jackson is currently considering potential options. The Brooklyn Nets and Sacramento Kings -- if they relocate to Seattle -- could appeal to Jackson more than the Cavaliers.

The Cavaliers have had contact with Jackson after firing Byron Scott last Thursday.

Jackson interviewed with Dan Gilbert in 2005 before the Cavaliers ultimately hired Mike Brown.

LeBron: Mike Brown To Cavaliers Possibility 'Should Be Real'

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 02:01:24 EDT

LeBron James achieved success under former Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers coach Mike Brown, and now he believes the possibility of Brown returning to the Cavaliers should be legitimate.

"It should be. It should be real," James said.

The two had reportedly clashed up until James' departure in 2010, but the NBA's reigning MVP has offered support for Brown over the past season.

Brown was fired by the Lakers five games into this season.

Byron Scott: 'I Don't Think I Got A Fair Shake' From Cavaliers

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 14:02:36 EDT

Byron Scott was fired by the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday and the veteran coach believes he was not given a fair chance to turn the situation around.

"I'm disappointed, more than anything,'' Scott said in a telephone interview. "I don't think I got a fair shake.''

Scott will pick up things from his Cavaliers office before returning home to California on Saturday.

"I'll land on my feet,'' Scott said.

"I'm a straight shooter.''

Cavaliers Concerned About Competition From Other Teams On Mike Brown

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:42:22 EDT

The Cleveland Cavaliers are interested in hiring Mike Brown and may move quickly due to concerns other NBA teams will be pursuing him, according to a source.

Brown left the Cavaliers in 2010 following their second round exit during the final season with LeBron James.

"If anybody calls, you have to listen," Brown said in a telephone interview on Thursday. "I'm not rushing to get back to [coaching]. Whether it's the Cavs situation or anybody else, it has to feel right for both sides.

"If they call, I wouldn't hang up the phone. I'd definitely listen to what anybody has to say. But then you have to decide if it's the right situation for myself, my family and the organization." 

Mike Brown, Cavaliers Have Mutual Interest

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 21:19:48 EDT

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Mike Brown have mutual interest in a possible reunion, according to sources.

The Cavaliers fired Byron Scott on Thursday after three seasons.

Brown was fired by the Los Angeles Lakers in November and isn't sure if he is ready to return to coaching. Brown is still owed $8 million from the Lakers over the next two seasons and may take off more time to be with his family.

The Cavaliers are expected to contact several possible coaching candidates in the coming days.

Michael Curry Will Interview For 76ers' Head Coaching Job, Eyes Other Openings

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:45:49 EDT

With the resignation of Doug Collins as Philadelphia 76ers head coach, associate Michael Curry will interview for the franchise's vacancy while eyeing job openings around the NBA, Curry told RealGM on Thursday afternoon.

Curry discussed the 76ers' coaching position with general manager Tony DiLeo on Thursday and will continue his duties into the offseason as part of the staff. DiLeo has already begun compiling a list of candidates and Curry is poised to be among them to receive a formal interview.

Collins, now a special consultant to the 76ers, has always been an advocate of Curry, who served as his lead assistant over the past three seasons. Nevertheless, the possibility exists of the 76ers' ownership clearing out the current staff and bringing in a fresh coach as its first hiring.

After being a finalist for the Orlando Magic's vacancy that went to Jacque Vaughn last offseason, Curry has established himself as a defensive coach who will attract interviews from teams with openings � such as the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavaliers, who fired Byron Scott on Thursday, have made clear their hunt will be predicated on finding a defensive mind with strong schemes. The Milwaukee Bucks could also have an opening this offseason, given Jim Boylan's seemingly tepid status.

In one season as the Detroit Pistons' coach in 2009, Curry went 39-43 and reached the playoffs as the eighth seed before being fired. Since then, he has emerged as an influential voice within the 76ers' staff, and he led more and more huddles in recent years.

"I have grown as a coach since [the Pistons season] and I know that it's not just about Xs and Os; you also have to be a great communicator, good with your dealings," Curry said. "I feel I am there now, and I helped a lot of those young players grow in Detroit and now here in Philadelphia."

Cavaliers Fire Byron Scott

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:23:25 EDT

The Cleveland Cavaliers have fired Byron Scott after three seasons.

Scott had a 66-166 record with the Cavaliers as the franchise rebuilt following the departure of LeBron James.

Scott took the job before James made his decision to sign with the Miami Heat. Tom Izzo was the other leading candidate for the job, but he decided to remain at Michigan State.

"I have tremendous respect for Byron professionally and a great deal of admiration for him personally," said Chris Grant. "At the same time, it is critical for where we are as a team to ensure that we capitalize on every opportunity for development and success and we have fallen short of that on the court," Cavs general manger Chris Grant said in a statement. "I believe we needed to make this change in order to get to a better position to achieve our goals. I know I speak on behalf of the entire Cavs organization and the Cleveland community, in thanking Byron for his three years here and his hard work and many contributions on and off the court. We wish Bryon and his wife, Anita, the best."

Phil Jackson Interested In Returning To NBA

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 17:33:10 EDT

Phil Jackson has become more interested in returning to the NBA, either as a coach or in a front office capacity, according to sources.

Jackson is intrigued by a management position for the first time in his career.

Jackson is "itching" to return, according to a source. He last coached the Los Angeles Lakers two seasons ago.

It remains to be seen what sort of opportunity Jackson might have in the league, the sources stressed.

Jackson has been linked to a possible role with Chris Hansen and Steve Ballmer if the Kings relocate to Seattle.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have previously been interested in Jackson and are said to be considering firing Byron Scott.

Kyrie Irving Apologizes For Skipping Fan Event

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:30:50 EDT

Kyrie Irving has apologized for skipping a postgame ceremony for fans following the Cleveland Cavaliers' final home game on Monday against Miami.

Irving was stripped of the ball by Norris Cole in the closing seconds of the 96-95 loss to the Heat. He immediately ran off the floor instead of participating in a jersey giveaway on "Fan Appreciation Night." All the Cavs' players handed out their game-worn jerseys and sneakers.

"I want to personally apologize to all the Cavs fans for my actions yesterday," Irving wrote on his Twitter page. "It was truly unfair to you guys. I'm very appreciative for all of you guys. Your love and passion for the organization and city is what pushes me to be great."

Cavaliers Want To Retain Ellington, Speights

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 10:59:37 EDT

The Cavaliers plan to offer Wayne Ellington some type of contract for the 2013-14 season.

Ellington will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Cleveland would also like Marreese Speights to accept his $4.5 million player option for next season.

Kyrie Irving Won't Discuss Byron Scott's Future

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 09:29:40 EDT

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving isn't addressing questions about the future of coach Byron Scott.

The team is struggling and a recent slide has led to speculation that Scott, who is 63-160 in three seasons, may not be back for a fourth.

"Until that time comes, I'm not really worried about it," Irving said. "To even imagine that, I'm not going down that road. I'm focused on finishing the season with him and that's all that matters right now."

Irving has spoken about his close relationship with Scott several times during his two seasons with the team.

Tristan Thompson Issues Support For Byron Scott

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 08:57:54 EDT

The Cleveland Cavaliers have lost 10 straight games and coach Byron Scott's future has come into question because of a 62-160 record over three seasons.

Tristan Thompson took time Thursday to publicly defend his coach.

"All the rumors about Coach Scott and hot seat and all that crap, that's bogus," Thompson said. "It's up to us to come out and compete and play hard because we're the ones out there. When he was out there playing, he won championships. So it's up to us to come out there and play."

Kyrie Irving Cleared To Return For Cavaliers

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 18:24:00 EDT

Kyrie Irving returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers against the New Orleans Hornets on Sunday night after missing eight games with a strained left shoulder.

There was speculation Irving would miss the rest of the season after injuring the shoulder March 10 against the Toronto Raptors.

"It wasn't so much what I noticed but it was the way he was moving, the way he said he felt," coach Byron Scott said. "He has to trust me. If I don't think he looks right, if I don't think he's moving well, then I'll take him out."

McHale Wanted Rockets To Keep Shaun Livingston

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 13:33:44 EDT

Kevin McHale wanted the Houston Rockets to keep Shaun Livingston, who was among the team’s final cuts after the preseason.

“He’s a great guy,” McHale said. “Knows how to play. He’s past so much of the stuff he had to get past as a young player to be a team player.  He just has a whole vibe about him that’s great.

“I was advocating very hard for his influence.”

Livingston was reportedly cut for salary cap reasons.

“It’s no secret that’s (Rockets general manager) Daryl Morey’s strategy, how he is known,” Livingston said. “He is very complex with the cap and how he does things. It could end up working out for the best for them. I’ve been a victim of circumstances this season. That’s been my theme this season.”

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