According to ESPN Insider Adrian Wojnaroski, the Cleveland Cavaliers will interview Denver Nuggets assistant coaches Wes Unseld Jr. and Jordi Fernandez on Saturday for the their vacant head coaching position.
This comes on the eve of arguably the Nuggets biggest game in franchise history, which is a Sunday Game 7 matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers.
It has been no secret that Cleveland has interest in Unseld Jr. and Fernandez as it was reported just last week that the Nuggets granted permission for the Cavaliers to interview both coaches. It was first reported in April that Cleveland had interest in Unseld Jr., before it came out last week that he was going to interview for the job.
Unseld Jr. has played an intricate role in the Nuggets improved defense over the past few seasons and would be a major loss for Denver on that side of the floor. Since Unseld Jr. was hired in 2015, he has continuously grown under head coach Michael Malone. After one season under Malone, the Nuggets head coach quickly upgraded Unseld Jr. to his lead assistant for the 2016-17 season, which is a role he still holds today.
On the same day that Denver granted permission for Unseld Jr. to interview, they did the same for assistant coach Jordi Fernandez. Not only was Fernandez the Nuggets summer league coach last offseason, but he has also played a major role in player development.
Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman and members of Cleveland’s front office met separately with the coaches on Saturday in Denver, which also included Portland assistant David Vanterpool. Orlando Magic assistant coach Steve Hetzel also interviewed for the job as all four interviews were conducted in Denver.
