Byron Scott’s Job Reportedly in Trouble

The Cleveland Cavaliers (22-50) are one of the NBA’s worst teams, and if they don’t turn it around dramatically next season, head coach Byron Scott could be fired. Per the News-Herald: “Once again, there will be major turnover among NBA head coaches after the 2012-13 season. The jury is out in Cleveland, where the Cavaliers are once again limping toward the finish line. They have a chance to do something no other Cavs’ team has ever done: Finish last in their division for three consecutive years. Coach Byron Scott’s critics are becoming more vocal as the season wears on. It was once viewed that his return next season was almost a lock. After all, the Cavs picked up the option year on his contract next year worth an estimated $4.5 million. […] The defense is one of the worst in the NBA. It struggles on some nights, and it is non-existent on others. That’s a major concern to Cavs majority owner Dan Gilbert, and ultimately a hunch Scott could be on shaky ground. Scott’s offense is largely ineffective. Often times, he hands the ball to Kyrie Irving in crunch time and asks him to make something happen. Break down your man, penetrate into the key and take a shot. Without him, there’s nowhere to turn. Shaun Livingston, who now has the ball with the game on the line, doesn’t have Irving’s kind of ability. That leaves the offense in the lurch. For the most part, Scott is able to get the players to play hard. Right now, there is not enough legitimate talent, which isn’t the coach’s fault. […] In all likelihood, Scott will be brought back for the start of next season and be on a short leash. They need to make the playoffs next year.”