Cleveland, Ohio – Following the Cleveland Cavaliers’ first appearance in the Eastern Conference semifinals in six years, the team made the decision to part ways with coach J.B. Bickerstaff on Thursday morning. Bickerstaff, 45, guided the Cavaliers through a successful rebuilding period, achieving 99 regular-season victories over the past two seasons. However, the organization now aims to hire a coach capable of leading Cleveland to greater success in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
After stepping in as interim coach in 2020, Bickerstaff accumulated a record of 170-159 (.517) over five seasons with the Cavaliers. Despite finishing as the Eastern Conference’s fourth seed with a 48-34 record, the Cavaliers were defeated by the Boston Celtics in the semifinals after besting the Orlando Magic in a seven-game series.
In their search for a new coach, President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman and General Manager Mike Gansey will be responsible for identifying potential candidates. Kenny Atkinson, an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors, is one individual of interest, having previously guided the Brooklyn Nets to the playoffs with current Cavaliers players such as Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert.
The team currently boasts a talented roster, featuring All-Star guards Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, along with a strong frontcourt led by Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. Despite Mitchell, Garland, Mobley, and Allen playing only 28 games together this season, the Cavaliers managed to secure the seventh spot in defensive efficiency under Bickerstaff’s guidance.
As Cleveland looks to the future, the search for a new head coach marks a significant turning point for the franchise, signaling a fresh start and renewed aspirations for success in the competitive landscape of the NBA. The upcoming appointment will undoubtedly be crucial in shaping the team’s journey towards achieving their goals and establishing a winning culture for years to come.