Byron Scott's thoughts on coaching a young team.

[Zion Wembanyama]

I wonder how Coach Scott feels about coaching a young team and being forced to play rookies and young players? I say this because when he was in New Orleans, he wasn't a fan of playing rookies or young players, unless you were "NBA ready", like CP3. He'll have more youth than ever this year ... anyone have any insight on how he's adjusted his coaching as such? Does anyone know if he's been asked in the media? Do you think he's the man for the job or should the Cavaliers look elsewhere?

Intelligent responses please. Thanks.

[mcfly1204]

I believe Byron Scott has no qualms about playing young players... as long as they put in the effort to defend. Byron Scott is a great fit for the Cleveland rebuild, and I believe this will end up being his most successful coaching stint.

[Niko23]

I love Byron. He is a great teacher and leader. But honestly, if LAL get Howard this season and Cavs do not make more upgrades, I could see LAL throwing MASSIVE cash at him to be their next coach.

[B Mac]

Well, you're right that he doesnt have much of a choice whether to play them or not. Along with that though, he's not likely to say he's against it even if he realy is in order to avoid alienating our tons of young fellas.

[KuruptedCav]

I'll take Scott at his word a few weeks ago that he likes where he's at, likes the team, etc. and has no plans to bolt to the Lakers. That said, I think it goes hand in hand with Dan Gilbert's willingness to spend and Chris Grant's ability to build a winning team.

In neither New Jersey nor New Orleans did Scott quit for a new job. He was fired both times. I can't read too much into that small sample, but he didn't bolt for greener pastures.

As for the youngsters, this isn't the first go-round for Scott. He signed on to a young team in New Jersey, leaving a veteran Kings team (where he was an assistant coach); he then signed on to another young team in New Orleans.

As for coaching the youngsters, he gets a tough rap because he was hard on JR Smith (NO), Brandon Bass (NO), Cedric Simmons (NO), Stephen Jackson (NJ), Richard Jefferson (NJ). At the same time, Chris Paul & Kenyon Martin started every game from day one.

I think it's wholly dependent upon the players he is coaching, and whether he can get them to get out of their own way. Looking back at it, Smith, Bass, Jackson, and Jefferson all became solid defensive players and it increased their value and length of their careers. Simmons, well, you remember his brief time in Cleveland where he thought he should take shots away from LBJ. Some people will never get it.

Regardless, he seems apt at developing NBA players.

[TwentyOne920]

He also understands the value of a great point guard. He played with Magic in LA, then coached Jason Kidd, Chris Paul, and now Kyrie Irving.

[mcfly1204]

He also understands the value of a great point guard. He played with Magic in LA, then coached Jason Kidd, Chris Paul, and now Kyrie Irving.

Which also makes one wonder what he can do with Waiters playing next to Irving in the Princeton offense.

[thetrapman]

I personally think Byron Scott will be here for 5+ years, at least, I'd say 10 but it seems big of a stretch & it doesn't happen very often.

But the synergy they're having right now is great.

What I'm saying is, notice how the coach was consulted during the drafts? That doesn't happen, seems like Byron has as much say in the actual team & roster as anyone else, and that makes it special

[Niko23]

^ Very well said as I see the same thing. Byron is almost viewed as important as Grant by Gilbert IMO.

[cavs4life03]

good to hear positive stuff from our coach all the way to the fo..i cant wait to the season start and i believe this team can win 30 games