CLEVELAND, June 1 (UPI) -- Paul Silas is expected to be named the new coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Silas, who was fired by the New Orleans Hornets on May 4, will accept the job possibly as soon as Monday, according to the report. Silas went 208-155 in four-plus years with the Hornets, leading the team to the playoffs in each of his four full seasons.
The Cavaliers had interviewed Silas and former New York Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy and the two were considered to be neck-and-neck in consideration for the job. If Silas receives the job, he will become the first coach of high school superstar LeBron James, who will be the first pick in the NBA draft later this month.
Silas, the all-time winningest coach in Hornets history, guided New Orleans to a 47-35 record this past season and a first-round playoff exit to Philadelphia. The Hornets had advanced to the conference semifinals each of the previous two seasons.
The Cavaliers were 17-65 this season, tying the Denver Nuggets for the worst record in the NBA. Keith Smart served as interim coach of the Cavs following the firing of John Lucas after an 8-34 start.
