More often than not, a new coach will try to surround himself with his "own’’ coaches, ones they have worked with before.

That is apparently what Skiles will do. Skiles also had previous head coaching stints with the Phoenix Suns and Chicago Bulls.

"He’s a good coach; I have the utmost respect for Scott,’’ James said. "He told me this is the first opportunity where he’s been a head coach where he could bring in his own staff.

"So it’s disappointing, but I understand the situation.’’