AP source: Cavaliers to interview Wes Unseld Jr. for coaching job

Wes-Unseld-Jr.

Denver Nugget assistant coach Wes Unseld Jr. argues a call with official Eric Dalen. (Steve Yeater/AP)

CLEVELAND — A person familiar with Cleveland’s coaching search tells The Associated Press the team has received permission to interview Denver assistant Wes Unseld Jr. A time to meet has not yet been set.

The person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the team is not publicly disclosing its plans. ESPN was first to report the Nuggets’ consent.

Unseld Jr. has been Denver coach Michael Malone’s lead assistant for three seasons. He’s considered one of the NBA’s rising young coaches, and it’s widely assumed he’ll land a head coaching job this off-season.

Unseld Jr. is the son of the Hall of Famer. He has a strong background in player development, a priority for the Cavs.

Cleveland has interviewed assistants J.B. Bickerstaff, Jamahl Mosley and Juwan Howard so far. The club will meet Friday with Utah’s Alex Jensen, who has met with Memphis for its opening.

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