Ranking The Three Remaining NBA Head Coach Openings: Which Team Has The Most Desirable Job?

With just four teams remaining in the NBA conference finals, it seems like there’s only three remaining head coach gigs available.

The Nets hired Jordi Fernandez. The Hornets hired Charles Lee. The Suns hired Mike Budenholzer.

So as things stand, the Cavaliers, Lakers and Wizards are the only teams with head coach vacancies. Some of these teams are expected to be interested in the same top candidates including Golden State’s Kenny Atkinson and Pelicans’ associate head coach James Borrego. 

But which destination is the most desirable? Which is the least? Let’s rank them.

3. Washington Wizards

After Wes Unseld Jr. was fired halfway through the season, the Wizards are still searching for their lead man. And it’s certainly not the best job to ever be available.

The Wizards were 15-67, 14th in the Eastern Conference with just one more win than the lowly Detroit Pistons. They scored the second overall pick, which is usually an exciting thing for an organization. But this draft is underwhelming and it’s unlikely that Washington will land a star.

The Wizards do have some pieces and young players, but this just feels like a crummy job. This coach is bound to get fired at some point, even if they do turn the Wizards into an average NBA squad.

2. Los Angeles Lakers

Coaching under the bright lights of Hollywood is a desirable job, but this time, it comes with a ton of uncertainty.

LeBron James has a player option and is expected to opt out of his contract. His agent, Rich Paul, even referred to James as a free agent already.

Outside of LeBron, this Lakers roster clearly has its flaws. Anthony Davis is a superstar, but he’s often injured. The rest of the cast is just average.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavs get the nod over the Lakers because they play in the Eastern Conference, which does not seem as strong as the top teams out west.

They have some uncertainty of their own, namely Donovan Mitchell, who is in line for a max contract if he actually wants to stay in Cleveland. If Mitchell extends, rumor has it that Darius Garland could request a trade and Jarrett Allen’s future seems in doubt because of that mysterious rib bruise regardless of any extensions or other moves.

Despite all of this, even without Mitchell, the Cavs led by Garland, Evan Mobley, and whatever they get back from Mitchell’s trade are at worst a playoff team in a weak Eastern Conference.