Home Team Cavaliers Rejig Coaching Personnel, Hiring Local Talent

Excited Cavs Fans Welcome Back Homegrown Talent

Jawad Williams, a local hero from St. Edward High School in Lakewood, is back in Cleveland! The once-standout player has joined head coach Kenny Atkinson's team as an assistant coach and player development guru.

This is more than just a homecoming; it's a major connection for the city and its beloved basketball team. Williams' global experience expands Cleveland's already shining roster.

Williams' career took off at St Edward, becoming one of Ohio's top high school players. After he left for North Carolina in 2001, he averaged 13.1 points per game, capturing an NCAA title in 2005 alongside future NBA players Raymond Felton and Marvin Williams. Even though he went undrafted in 2005, Williams established a globetrotting career, playing in Europe, Japan, and the NBA.

From 2008 to 2010, Williams made 90 appearances for the Cavaliers, scoring 3.8 points and grabbing 1.5 rebounds per contest. He then claimed championships in Japan and France before hanging up his jersey in 2022. Following retirement, he dived into coaching, starting with Nagasaki Velca in Japan, where he served as an assistant and player development leader. Williams later brought his coaching talents to the Sacramento Kings in the same roles, beginning his tenure in September 2024.

The Cavaliers' front office has overhauled their coaching staff this offseason, driven by the departures of DeMarre Carroll, Bryan Tibaldi, Chris Darnell, and Jordan Ott. With Williams joining Atkinson, they're looking for a fresh perspective that can translate knowledge into growth. His deep ties to Cleveland and history of mentoring youth provide the team with a familiar voice with an international perspective.

Cleveland's remarkable regular season came to a sudden halt in the second round of the playoffs when they were stunned by Indiana in five games. in email Darnell, summed it up perfectly when he said the goal is to "get over the hump" and convert regular-season excellence into postseason success.

Seeing Williams as part of the team now feels like a promising sign. He's been on a journey—from an undrafted player to international champion—and is returning home in a leadership position. Williams' journey sends a message that grit, player development, and self-improvement shine in Tavernland.

Atkinson, the league's Coach of the Year this season, embraces a modern approach to team culture. The added assistant with local roots and global experience strengthens the bridge between his vision and the players on the court.

Expect Williams to be spotted regularly around the practice court, refining habits, leading film sessions, and offering advice born from his experiences both in North America and overseas. His story offers powerful credibility, and the Cavaliers are surely looking forward to his impact on their young stars.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are no longer wandering for identity. They're embracing what they stand for—legacy, progress, and a homegrown hero leading the charge. Cleveland's ambition goes beyond just having star power; it seeks balance between youth and wisdom. Williams embodies this, and he's the final piece needed for the Cavaliers to go deeper in the playoffs.

When Williams steps onto the court in his Cavs uniform, you can bet he'll be sending a clear message: Cleveland's back, and they're ready to contend for titles once again.

With Jawad Williams, a former undrafted player and international champion, joining the Cavaliers as an assistant coach and player development guru, there are rumors swirling about their potential contention for NBA championships.
As the Cavaliers aim to convert regular-season excellence into postseason success, recent rumors suggest that they are looking to Williams' journey from a local basketball standout to an international champion as a beacon for their young stars during the playoffs.
In light of the Cavaliers' overhauled coaching staff, including the addition of Williams, some basketball pundits are already speculating about a potential deep run in the playoffs and a possible championship draft for the Cleveland team.