- Days be fore the Cavaliers secured the draft rights of LeBron James in last night's lottery, Jeff Van Gundy was certain to be named their head coach early next week - or sooner - maintains an obliging stoolie.

"His former [Knick] assistants already have been told [by Van Gundy], 'We're going to Cleveland,' " discloses the source, referring to Tom Thibodeau, Steve Clifford and Greg Britteham.

"The core of assembled skill has intrigued Jeff for some time. His meeting with [Cavs owner] Gordon Gund convinced him this was a job worth taking. He was told there'd be no financial shortcuts and that everything would be done within reason to turn the [underachieving] team into a winner. Gund also assured him reports about his team being for sale are untrue."

For the Cavs' part, league sources say Van Gundy was the primary target of their affection as long ago as January. As a result of the Hornets' unremitting competitiveness in the face of ceaseless adversity, Paul Silas also earned an interview.

Cavs GM Jim Paxson characterizes Silas as "Lenny Wilkens 10 years ago." Others in the organization view him as being a little bit too close to deposed free stylist John Lucas for comfort.