The Cleveland Cavaliers surprised the NBA world on Wednesday after announcing they had hired Lindsay Gottlieb as a part of the team’s coaching staff.
The landmark addition was so great that former rival head coach Steve Kerr complimented the Cavs on the phenomenal hire.
Steve Kerr on Lindsay Gottlieb: “What a great opportunity and a great hire by the Cavaliers. She’s a great person and a hell of a coach.”
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) June 12, 2019
Gottlieb, 41, was University of California, Berkley’s head coach for the past eight years, gathering a fantastic record of 179-89. In addition, Gottlieb led her squads to multiple NCAA tournaments, including a trip to the Final Four during the 2012-13 season.
Although this is Gottlieb’s first job with an NBA coaching staff, she has some experience around the league. In fact, Gottlieb regularly visited Golden State Warriors practices in recent years.
Whether she specifically shadowed Kerr or not is unknown; however, her presence inside the dominant teams’ practices shows just how respected she is.
What is known, though, is she will be in a completely different situation. The Cavs are in the beginning process of a rebuild that’s going to take time, growing pains and plenty of development.
Yet, Gottlieb is expected to make an immediate impact and help steer the Cavs upwards.
