The bid to get Tom Izzo as coach may have failed, but it dominates this week's mailbag from readers.
LeBron James made a rare public appearance on Saturday at Akron's "appreciation day" rally at InfoCision Stadium. Fans are still debating whether he should have had a conversation with Tom Izzo before the MSU coach turned down the Cavaliers' coaching vacancy.Hey, Brian: Could the Cavs have improved their odds on hiring Tom Izzo if they had waited until after LeBron James made a decision to contact him? Why did the Cavs have to offer him the job before LeBron's decision? -- Dave Lane, Boston
Hey, Dave: It's an interesting question to consider, no one really probably knows but Izzo. But there is a rationale behind waiting until James makes up his mind before hiring a coach. If James re-signs, then it is instantly one of his best jobs in the league. If he doesn't then the Cavs probably would consider different types of candidates anyway.
Hey, Brian: It seems unfair that LeBron is getting blamed for not speaking up for Izzo. If you are in LeBron's shoes, you don't want to commit to a team yet, and you certainly don't want to choose the coach for a team you may not play for. LeBron has earned his free agency, why is there so much animosity towards him for not choosing the Cavs coach? -- Chris Schirk, Portland, Maine
Hey, Chris: I agree. The Cavs ask so much from James, he should not have to or be expected to recruit the next coach. Just as he shouldn't be asked to watch draft workouts or negotiate contracts. It was surprising that he declined to even have a conversation with Izzo out of respect no matter what he was willing to say. But no one can say James does not do his superstar part for the franchise, in this beat writer's opinion.
Hey, Brian: There are reports the Hornets may be willing to trade point guard Darren Collison if a team is willing to take on a bad contract as well. It would seem this would be the type of deal the Cavs may be able to pull off. What are your thoughts? -- Adam Buser, Cortland
Hey, Adam: The Hornets are in the midst of an ownership transfer. Until that is completed it is not likely that the team will make a major roster-altering trade.
Hey, Brian: Do the Cavs still have the rights to Wally Szczerbiak for use in a sign-and-trade? --Mike Glauser, Shaker Heights
Hey, Mike: Yes, they still have his rights. But a sign-and-trade at this point is highly unlikely. It was more possible at the trade deadline last year, because a new contract at midseason would have been pro-rated and saved more money.
-- Brian