Lakers Asst. Brian Shaw Reportedly Close To Deal To Coach Cavs

According to Sam Amick of AOL Fanhouse, the deal's not done, but it's close. Brian Shaw will be named the next coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, possibly as early as Wednesday. From Fanhouse:

Shaw was a finalist with former New Orleans and New Jersey coach Byron Scott after Michigan State coach Tom Izzo declined the team's offer earlier this month. A source close to Scott said discussions for him to become the coach have not moved forward, a further indication that Shaw is the choice.

Shaw's credentials as an assistant are pretty impressive, as he's been reared under Phil Jackson in Los Angeles, and helped the Lakers win two straight championships. As a coaching hire, Shaw grades out fairly well. But you can't help but wonder, with LeBron James on the brink of free agency, if this isn't a sign that Cavs have conceded he'll go elsewhere.

With James returning, the Cavaliers could have taken a shot at any number of superstar coaches... Or, conversely, if they wanted James to return, the Cavs might have waited, so that James could help them choose between any number of superstar coaches.

Instead, here's Brian Shaw. A solid, respectable, but wholly unremarkable end to the Cavs' coaching search. Is the writing on the wall in Cleveland?