Fansided

Ranking every NBA head coach LeBron James has played for

By Dave Stevenson

Dec 28, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James walks past head coach David Blatt against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Cavaliers defeated the Suns 101-97. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James walks past head coach David Blatt against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Cavaliers defeated the Suns 101-97. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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CHICAGO – MARCH 31: Head coach Brendan Malone of the Cleveland Cavaliers yells during the game against the Chicago Bulls on March 31, 2005 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Cavaliers 102-90 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO – MARCH 31: Head coach Brendan Malone of the Cleveland Cavaliers yells during the game against the Chicago Bulls on March 31, 2005 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Cavaliers 102-90 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

5. Brendan Malone

Truth be told, Malone could have been higher on this list. However, it’s impossible to judge him based on the 26 games that he coached LeBron for. He had previous head coach experience before coaching LeBron’s Cavaliers, as he was the first head coach in Toronto Raptors history. He went 21-61 in his only season as a head coach. It’s pretty ironic that Malone coached King James because what made Malone so famous is that he was able to shut down Michael Jordan while he was coaching the defense for the Detroit Pistons back in their “Bad Boy” era.

Perhaps because Malone knew so well how to stop a dominant force like Jordan, he could have succeeded in helping LeBron become a better player by picking out his weaknesses and focusing on improving on them. However, there is likely a reason why Malone has only been an assistant coach for all but one season and change of his NBA coaching career. He simply doesn’t have what it takes to be a head coach. He’s a mighty fine assistant coach though.

Malone only got to have LeBron James for 26 games. While he did do well with an 18-8 record, his lack of recent success away from King James docks him major points. So does his lack of head coaching experience and the fact that he hasn’t gotten a head coaching job since leaving Cleveland.

Next: 4. David Blatt

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