The Cleveland Cavaliers’ loss in the NBA playoffs marked the end of an era for head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who was let go after five seasons with the team. General Manager Koby Altman had been unhappy with Bickerstaff’s performance and believed that a coaching change was necessary to secure Donovan Mitchell’s contract extension this summer.
On Thursday morning, the Cavaliers announced that Bickerstaff had been fired, despite his successful rebuild of the team during his tenure. Altman praised Bickerstaff’s contributions to the team, including establishing a positive culture and leading them to 48 wins and a second-round playoff appearance this season. However, he emphasized that aggressive decisions were needed to propel the team forward and compete for championships.
As they search for a new coach, the Cavaliers are considering several candidates, including former NBA head coaches Kenny Atkinson and James Borrego. Both coaches have experience and track records that make them potential fits for the team. In addition to hiring a new coach, the Cavaliers are also focused on securing Donovan Mitchell’s contract extension as they look ahead to building around him and emerging talents like Evan Mobley. As they aim to win now and compete for championships in the future, strategic moves will be critical for their success.
