Cavs Seek New Leadership as J.B. Bickerstaff Era Ends After Back-to-Back 50-Win Seasons
The Cleveland Cavaliers will be in need of a new coach following their separation from J.B. Bickerstaff. The team announced Bickerstaff’s firing, even though he had led the Cavs to the playoffs for the last two seasons and it happened a week after their playoff loss.
Bickerstaff’s Journey with the Cavaliers
Bickerstaff had served as an assistant for the Cavs since the 2019-20 season and assumed the head coaching role after John Beilein resigned in February 2020. He had a record of 5 wins and 6 losses as an assistant coach for the Cavs before the season was halted indefinitely because of Covid-19.
During the 2020-21 season, which was his first full season, the Cavaliers achieved a 22-50 record with one of the most youthful rosters in the league. They soared to 44 victories in his sophomore season but fell short in the Play-In Tournament despite making significant progress.
J.B. Bickerstaff as #Cavs head coach:
• 170-159 record
• 6-11 postseason record
• 0-2 play-in record
• 5th most wins by a Cavalier coach
• 6th highest winning pct in team historyFinal thoughts? #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/B6UAqN8Ire
— jack (@TheCavsJack) May 23, 2024
Following the acquisition of Donovan Mitchell through a trade, the Cavs finished the season with a 51-31 record and secured home-court advantage in the first round but were ultimately eliminated in five games by the New York Knicks. He was under increased pressure this season due to the early departure.
Bickerstaff, who is 45 years old, had a record of 170-159 during the regular season and 6-11 in the playoffs while coaching Cleveland. Bickerstaff’s contract was valid until 2026.
“Donovan Mitchell you got what you wanted, so now all the pressure is on you…this is a bullshit firing.” 👀@ChandlerParsons reacts to J. B. Bickerstaff being fired. pic.twitter.com/0U3xOiXXau
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) May 23, 2024
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Cavaliers will begin compiling a list of potential replacements for Bickerstaff, which may feature Golden State assistant coach Kenny Atkinson. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, James Borrego, an associate coach for the New Orleans Pelicans, might also be considered for the position.
The Boston Celtics eliminated the Cavs in a five-game series during the Eastern Conference semifinals while Cleveland was missing Mitchell and defensive center Jarrett Allen in Game 5. The Cavaliers couldn’t compete with the first-seeded Celtics, who have reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the third consecutive year and currently lead 1-0 against the Indiana Pacers in the series.
Breaking: The Cleveland Cavaliers have dismissed head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, sources tell @wojespn. pic.twitter.com/y1wez4ILJp
— ESPN (@espn) May 23, 2024