[AND YET ANOTHER BLACK COACH] The Cleveland Cavaliers FIRE BYRON SCOTT

[The Core DJ's]

The Cleveland Cavaliers fired coach Byron Scott today (Thursday).

Scott was 66-166 (.278) in three seasons but the Cavaliers regressed from year two to year three under Scott, and Cavs general manager Chris Grant determined it was time for a change.

“I have tremendous respect for Byron professionally and a great deal of admiration for him personally. At the same time, it is critical for where we are as a team to ensure that we capitalize on every opportunity for development and success and we have fallen short of that on the court,” Cavs general manger Chris Grant said in a statement. “I believe we needed to make this change in order to get to a better position to achieve our goals. I know I speak on behalf of the entire Cavs organization and the Cleveland community, in thanking Byron for his three years here and his hard work and many contributions on and off the court. We wish Bryon and his wife, Anita, the best.”

Scott took over the Cavaliers under the most trying to circumstances in the summer of 2010 – not knowing whether LeBron James would return or leave. James left for the Miami Heat, and the Cavs’ painful rebuilding process began.

The Cavs were 19-63 in Scott’s first season (.232), 21-45 in his second (.318) and just 24-57 this season (.296), though the long list of injuries he had to deal with can’t be ignored. His two leading scorers, the sensational Kyrie Irving and rookie guard Dion Waiters, missed a combined 44 games. His best big man, center Anderson Varejao, was done for the season back in mid-January when a blood clot was discovered in his right leg that required surgery.

“I want to thank Chris Grant, Dan Gilbert and the Cavaliers organization for the opportunity I had to coach this team the last three seasons,” Scott said in a statement. “Anita and I have enjoyed our time here in Cleveland and greatly appreciate the support we received from this special community and the many friendships we developed. I am certainly proud of the progress that many of our players have made and greatly appreciate the dedication of my coaches and our team in our efforts to attain the success we all desired.”

Grant will lead the coaching searching, which begins immediately.