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Vincent Collet: « My first choice would be to coach in EuroLeague »
NBA - Currently consulting for the Cleveland Cavaliers staff in the NBA, Vincent Collet discussed with beIN Sports his playoff experience, the team's progress against Miami Heat, and his future ambitions: joining an NBA staff full-time or returning to coach in EuroLeague.
Photo Credit : Guillaume Poumarede
As a consultant for the Cleveland Cavaliers staff, Vincent Collet is currently in Florida with the team for the NBA playoffs. Interviewed by beIN Sports between Games 3 and 4 of the series against Miami Heat, the former French national team coach detailed his role in the United States, while clearly expressing his career objectives: either joining an NBA staff as an assistant or taking the reins of a European club in EuroLeague.
Cavaliers’ defensive performance praised by Vincent Collet
Vincent Collet didn’t hide his satisfaction after Cleveland Cavaliers’ defensive showcase in Game 3 against Miami Heat. « This is our best defensive performance of the season, » he emphasized, citing « the increased defensive level » as a key factor for playoff advancement. With only 87 points allowed (versus 124 scored), Cleveland handed Miami its worst postseason defeat in history.
Confident about the future, Vincent Collet knows there’s still a long way to go and remains cautious: « We need to take it series by series. » A potential qualification would pit the Cavaliers against either Indiana or Milwaukee in the conference semifinals, two radically different styles of opposition.
A consulting role close to Kenny Atkinson
Reflecting on the origins of his U.S. experience, Vincent Collet explained that the connection happened naturally with Kenny Atkinson, the Cavaliers’ coach since last summer. Initially considered for an assistant position, Collet eventually joined the organization as an external consultant due to Cleveland’s existing structure.
His work is clear: after each game, he sends a concise summary to Kenny Atkinson with his observations, bringing a European perspective to the NBA game. « Kenny wanted different ideas from those of his American assistants, » says Collet, who strives to provide targeted and quickly actionable analyses.
An uncertain future but preference for EuroLeague
While fully enjoying this immersion, Vincent Collet hasn’t hidden that his immediate future remains undecided. « It will depend on the front office and available positions, » he cautiously states.
When asked about his priorities for next season, the former French national coach was clear: « If I had the opportunity to have a EuroLeague team, I think that would be my first choice. » A statement that will surely please many European clubs looking for an experienced coach.
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