When Donovan Mitchell was traded from the Utah Jazz, he likely thought he was leaving the team behind for good. This was probably a key appeal of his move to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the summer of 2022, as it offered him the opportunity to work with new coaches and spread his wings. However, it appears that things might come full circle. Johnnie Bryant, a former Utah Jazz assistant coach now with the New York Knicks, is a leading candidate to replace the Cleveland Cavaliers’ former coach, J.B. Bickerstaff. Bryant, who spent six seasons under Quin Snyder with the Jazz, is one of the top names being considered.
Golden State’s Kenny Atkinson and apparently the Las Vegas Aces’ head coach, Becky Hammon have also been discussed to some degree, though Atkinson may have the inside track to land the job. Still, the fact that Mitchell is coached by one of the men who he spent the first three seasons of his career with is rather funny.
It’s like no matter where Mitchell goes, the specter of Salt Lake hovers overhead. Though, sincerely, Bryant may not be a bad option. He has to be a knowledgeable coach, after all, he coached under Snyder and Tom Thibodeau, so he clearly has a good understanding of defensive assignments. At least, you’d hope so.
So coming into the Cavaliers situation with Isaac Okoro, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley would be an advantageous one, with the idea that all three defensive-minded players would be better. Will that help Mitchell any? Who knows, he clearly needs a second, legitimate All-Star, which he doesn’t truly have in Cleveland.
It almost has us wondering if the trade to Cleveland better served him than just staying with the Jazz.
