Cavs Set To Interview Top Assistant for Head Coaching Vacancy

Adelman, 43, began his career in 2002, coaching high school. Firstly as an assistant and then a head coach at Lincoln High School in his native Portland, Oregon. He broke into the NBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves as an assistant in 2011. Afterward, he would coach in Orlando for a short time before being recruited to Mike Malone’s staff in 2017 where he would win a championship last year. He worked his way up the staff in Denver, being known as Malone’s top assistant in the last few years.

Additionally, in his seven years in Denver so far, the Nuggets are a remarkable 351-204, making the playoffs six times. The team ranked in the top seven of offensive rating in all seven seasons with Adelman on the coaching staff. Now, a lot of that has to do with Nuggets head coach Mike Malone, however, there is a reason Adelman is the top assistant in Denver and had a major impact on the offensive success. Even if the Cavs have a top-10 offense in the league next season that would be a significant improvement.

Adelman’s Fit In Cleveland

If the Cavs are to make a move for Adelman he would be a great addition. In his 13 years in the league, he has also worked in player development. Cleveland is a team seeking that and more, considering how young their team is. The Cavs’ Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Isaac Okoro are all under 25 and crucial parts of the roster. Adelman has worked with Nuggets guard Jamal Murray since his sophomore season and helped him bloom into a star. If he can do the same with the Cavs’ young players, the Cavs could become real contenders.

The ascension of the young stars in Cleveland is exactly what will turn them into contenders, the Cavs don’t necessarily need new players, they need development. David Adelman posts a resume that implies he can do that job and will be under pressure to make it happen if he is the new man in town. As well, he brings a winning culture. In five of his seven seasons in Denver, they won at least one round in the playoffs, something the Cavs did just once in five seasons with former head coach, J.B. Bickerstaff.

Will Adelman Be The Man?

Adelman is just the latest name on the Cleveland head coaching radar. He is the sixth man to be invited to interview for the Cavs. Will he be the last? Only time will tell, but the coaching decision is certainly getting closer by the day. Whether or not he is the man, will be based on how Cavs GM Koby Altman sees his personality and fit within the organization. Adelman’s offensive mind could be of major importance to a Cavalier team hoping to shoot for the stars in 2024-25.