The Cleveland Cavaliers Part Ways With Coach J.B. Bickerstaff

The Cleveland Cavaliers have parted ways with coach J.B. Bickerstaff after advancing to the second round of the playoffs and losing to the Boston Celtics in five games. This was the furthest the team had made it in the playoffs since LeBron James departed, but it was not enough for owner Dan Gilbert and the Cavs, who decided to move on from Bickerstaff.

Reactions from fans are mixed. Some are happy with the decision, while others believe Bickerstaff was scapegoated to deflect blame from the ownership. Many fans saw Bickerstaff as a bridge coach who guided the team through its rebuild and now see the need for a coach who can take the team to the next level. Questionable coaching decisions in Games 4 and 5 of their series against the Celtics had sparked rumors about his job, with Cavs fans creating the hashtag #FireJB.

The Cavs finished the season with a 48-34 record, placing fourth in the Eastern Conference. Bickerstaff and his personnel dealt with injuries and ups and downs throughout the year. By the time the playoffs arrived, the team was banged up, but they gave their best effort against the Celtics. Injuries to key players like Donovan Mitchell, Caris LeVert, and Jarrett Allen made it virtually impossible to dethrone Boston.

As the team heads into the offseason, there is a lot of drama surrounding the roster. Donovan Mitchell, their best player, was unavailable for Games 4 and 5 and will become a free agent after next season. Reports suggest that if Mitchell does not plan to re-sign, point guard Darius Garland may ask for a trade, despite not having the strongest year. Additionally, Jarrett Allen is rumored to be on the trading block to open up the floor for their younger big man, Evan Mobley.

The importance of the next coaching hire cannot be overstated. Former Charlotte Hornets coach James Borrego and former Brooklyn Nets coach Kenny Atkinson are among the names being mentioned as potential candidates.

One thing everyone agrees on is that JB Bickerstaff left the Cavs in a better position than when he arrived. He is likely to have another opportunity to be a head coach in the NBA. The first domino to fall, positively or negatively, for the Cavs will depend heavily on the coaching hire they make.