Cleveland Cavaliers will interview Micah Nori for the head coaching job

Cleveland Cavaliers will interview Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori for their head coaching opening in the coming days, according to reports. Nori is the sixth known candidate in Cleveland's search. Nori, a long-time NBA assistant, took over the bench during the playoffs after Minnesota coach Chris Finch injured his knee and had restricted movement.

Nori joins a growing list of contenders in Cleveland, according to a person who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the organization is not talking while looking for a replacement for J.B. Bickerstaff.

J.B.Bickerstaff was dismissed one week after the Cavs' playoff run ended with a second-round loss to Boston. The Cavs praised Bickerstaff's work, but believe a new voice is needed to move the organization forward. 

Cleveland Cavaliers improved each season under Bickerstaff, and despite several injuries, the Cavs were among the best teams in the Eastern Conference during the season. They won a seven-game series against Orlando in the first round. Nori joined Minnesota's staff in 2021. He has also worked for Toronto, Sacramento, Denver, and Detroit.

He's been Minnesota Timberwolves' equivalent of a bench coach in baseball, acting as Finch's primary counsel while also managing the rest of the staff. Nori formerly worked for Finch in Denver. Nori is a 50-year-old Ohio native. His pleasant nature has won over colleagues and players, and it was not uncommon for Nori to employ a hilarious comparison during TV sideline interviews to lighten the mood.

Cleveland Cavaliers started the search

Last week, the Cavs began their search by obtaining permission to interview Golden State Warriors coach Kenny Atkinson, New Orleans assistant James Borrego, New York assistant Johnnie Bryant, and Miami assistant Chris Quinn. Both Atkinson and Borrego are past head coaches. Bryant is a fascinating possibility because of his friendship with Cavs All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, who is set to sign a long-term contract deal with Cleveland this summer. 

Koby Altman, the Cavs' president of basketball operations, reiterated that the organization will be deliberate in its search for a new coach. He hopes to have the coach in place for the NBA draft on June 26 but admits it may take longer.