The Cleveland Cavaliers’ disappointing five-game elimination in the first round of the Eastern Conference against the New York Knicks has fueled speculation that coach JB Bickerstaff’s job may not be safe. The Cavaliers rejected that idea on Friday.
Cavaliers president Kobe Altman said there was “no doubt” Bickerstaff would return next season, even though he has had some criticism over the Knicks series.
“Yes. Absolutely,” Altman said told Kelsey Russo of The Athletic. “There’s no doubt about it. I mean, look what he’s done. It’s really funny, I didn’t hear that, maybe because I didn’t or didn’t read on Twitter, but I didn’t hear the hype. So that’s not even a question. […] I end that speculation.”
The Cavaliers have won 51 games and had the best defensive rating in the NBA during the 2022-23 regular season, Altman added, things that “the team just can’t get its way of.”
Bickerstaff and the Cavaliers received some criticism for their lack of adjustments during the Series loss to the Knicks. At times, the young Cleveland squad seemed to struggle with the physicality of the Knicks as well. Leading men Garrett Allen and Evan Mobley were consistently outshone on the boards of directors by New York.
“You can’t have 51 wins,” Altman said. “You can’t just fight your way up to the #1 defensive ranking in the NBA. That’s a drill. I know we have a great defensive staff, but you have to get their endorsement, and that comes from the head coach. And so we’re very pleased with JB and the work he’s done.” “.
The quick and early exit of the Cavaliers might not cost Bickerstaff his job, however Another team may make a change under similar circumstances.