8. Wilkens Instead of Wetzel
In 1985, when George Karl led the improved Cavaliers to their first playoff appearance in seven years, he looked ready to lead the team for years to come. However, the team regressed and was 25-42 when Karl was fired on March 16, 1986.
That led to a coaching search that eventually boiled down to either Lenny Wilkens or Phoenix Suns’ assistant John Wetzel, with former New York Knicks great Willis Reed considered a long shot. Undoubtedly, Wilkens’ history with the team and his previous experience as a head coach played a role in his selection as the team’s head coach on July 9, 1986.
Wetzel would remain with the Suns as an assistant before becoming the team’s head coach for the 1987-88 season, but a 28-54 season sent him back to an assistant role, where he remained for the rest of his career.
Next: History at the All-Star Game
