Current NBA Head Coach Vacancies

With J.B. Bickerstaff out in Cleveland, there are now three NBA head coach vacancies heading into the 2023-24 season.

May 23, 2024, 12:33 PM Updated: 12:35 pm

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As disappoining postseason exits stamp the end of seasons, every offseason features NBA head coach openings and 2023-24 has been no different.

Just days after the Cleveland Cavaliers lost game seven of the second round to the Indiana Pacers, they elected to let go of head coach J.B. Bickerstaff. That created the third current NBA head coach opening, along with three new hires that have already been made.

Sacramento Kings lead assistant Jordi Fernadez was hired by the Brooklyn Nets, while Boston’s lead assistant Charles Lee has been hired by the Charlotte Hornets. The Phoenix Suns replaced Frank Vogel with Mike Budenholzer, who started the season with the Bucks.

But, multiple openings remain! Let’s take a look at the current vacancies.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Previously J.B. Bickerstaff

As mentioned, this came after a disappointing postseason exit while questions swirl about Donovan Mitchell’s future with the organization. Bickerstaff spent four seasons with the Cavaliers, but seemed to have lost the locker room in 2023-24.

Rumored Candidates: Kenny Atkinson (Golden State), James Borrego (New Orleans)

Los Angeles Lakers: Previously Darvin Ham

Darvin Ham last just two seasons as head coach of the Lakers. A known tough job, that may include more publicly scrutiny than any other NBA head coach job in the league, has been concluded.

Obviously, the responsibility of coaching the All-Time leading scorer in LeBron James adds to that.

Rumored Candidates: Micah Nori (Minnesota), Chris Quinn (Miami), James Borrego (New Orleans), JJ Redick

Washington Wizards: Previously Wes Unseld Jr.

Wes Unseld Jr. transitioned from head coach to a front office role in late January, leaving a need for an interim for the remainder of the regular season.

Lead assistant Brian Keefe stepped up, and seems to be the front runner to land a more lasting role. No other reported NBA head coach candidates have been rumored up to this point.

When is the next NBA off-season date of interest?

The NBA Draft is now a two-night event.

Wednesday, June 26th, will act as the first night of the 2024 NBA Draft, where the Sacramento Kings will make their first-round selection (13th). The second round of the draft will be held on Thursday, June 27th, where the Kings will use its 45th overall pick.

Sacramento hasn’t had a first-round pick since 2022, when it selected Iowa product Keegan Murray with the fourth overall pick.

Stay locked into Sactown Sports for all of your Kings draft coverage, including player profiles, reports regarding pre-draft workouts, draft night coverage, and much more.

NBA Offseason Schedule