Cavaliers Assistant Alex Sarama Named First Head Coach of Portland Fire; League News Roundup
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Alex Sarama to Portland Fire
The Cleveland Cavaliers will lose assistant coach Alex Sarama at season’s end, as the player-development specialist has accepted the inaugural head-coaching position with the WNBA’s Portland Fire. Sarama will remain on head coach Kenny Atkinson’s staff until the Cavaliers conclude their current campaign.
“It’s a great opportunity for Alex,” Atkinson told reporters after Thursday’s practice. “He’s not leaving tomorrow. We came to that agreement. We didn’t want to disrupt our preparation, but we’re going to miss him.”
Sarama joined Cleveland in 2024 as an assistant coach and director of player development, quickly earning the nickname “Professor Alex” for his data-driven methods, including blackout-goggle drills and a constraints-led approach designed to improve adaptability. The England native previously coached with Paris Basketball, the London Lions, and the Trail Blazers’ G League affiliate, Rip City Remix. In Portland he will reunite with new Fire general manager Vanja Černivec, a former colleague from London.
Turnover on Atkinson’s Bench
Sarama becomes the latest Cavaliers assistant to earn a promotion elsewhere. Jordan Ott and DeMarre Carroll joined the Phoenix Suns, Bryan Tibaldi took a post at Providence College, and Chris Darnell moved to the Sacramento Kings. Atkinson said the club will again elevate coaches from within the organization to fill vacancies.
Additional NBA Notes
Potential Breakout Players
Fred Katz of The Athletic highlighted three under-the-radar names who could influence games this season: Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr., Cleveland Cavaliers forward DeAndre Hunter, and Minnesota Timberwolves rookie Terrence Shannon Jr.
Front-Office Move
Former Denver Nuggets assistant general manager Tommy Balcetis is joining Lithuanian powerhouse Žalgiris Kaunas as head of innovations, according to BasketNews. Balcetis had been viewed as a possible successor to Calvin Booth before Denver promoted Ben Tenzer to general manager.
Uniform Update
ESPN’s Dan Hajducky reports that NBA rookies and award recipients will wear new jersey patches this season through a league partnership with Fanatics and Topps, integrating collectibles directly into game uniforms.
Source: Hoops Wire
