Some news on the Cavaliers as NBA draft month is upon us:
-- Bulls assistant Adrian Griffin interviewed for the Cavs' head-coaching position early last week, and the Cavs came away impressed. Griffin came off as very thorough, very structured. The Cavs and Griffin have spoken since the interview, sources said, and that's always a positive if you're Griffin and you want the job. Without a doubt, the Cavs are serious about Griffin.
-- The Cavs also interviewed Clippers assistant Tyronn Lue last week, and again, the Cavs liked what they heard. Lue came across as very passionate in the meeting, and the Cavs favor his offensive-minded approach. General manager David Griffin would prefer for the team to be built around a high-powered offense (with, of course, some decent defense).
-- Former Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins and current Clippers assistant Alvin Gentry are in the Cavs' coaching discussion as well. No specifics on those talks yet.
-- The Cavs are likely to conduct more coaching interviews this week. That may include a few candidates from the college ranks.
-- As for the draft, the Cavs made it clear Kansas center Joel Embiid had no shot at going No. 1 if they didn't conduct their own exam of Embiid's back. In other words, the Cavs won't rely on any independent medical evaluations (such as those provided by Embiid's camp). But all of that seems like a go, as the Cavs are expected to meet with and examine Embiid sometime in the next 7-10 days.
-- If everything checks out with Embiid, yes, the Cavs could take the 7-footer with their first overall pick. But they will still strongly consider Duke forward Jabari Parker and Kansas small forward Andrew Wiggins.
-- Some sources around the league feel if the Cavs are pleased with the results of Embiid's physical, he's their guy. Others caution all it would mean is the Cavs aren't guaranteed to pass on him (if he clears a physical from the team). Read: Again, even if the Cavs are happy with Embiid's back, they could still take Parker or Wiggins.
-- Several teams have called the Cavs to gauge their interest in potentially trading the No. 1 pick. That includes another team in the top three (either the Bucks or Sixers), a source said. The Bucks own the second overall pick. The Sixers own picks Nos. 3 and 10.
-- The Cavs have fielded a couple calls about All-Star guard Kyrie Irving, sources said. Nothing is imminent there (or apparently even close), and the Cavs would love nothing more than to keep Irving and build around and beside him. That seems to be the plan, in fact. But anyone who follows the team knows Irving is entering the extension phase of his contract in July. It could get really interesting here soon.
