On Thursday morning, the Cleveland Cavaliers officially let go of coach J.B. Bickerstaff after five seasons at the helm, prompting rumors of his potential firing. Despite leading the team through a successful rebuilding phase and achieving 48 wins and a second-round playoff appearance this season, General Manager Koby Altman reportedly wasn’t satisfied with his performance and believed that a change was necessary to move the franchise forward.
Two experienced former NBA head coaches emerged as possible replacements for Bickerstaff: Kenny Atkinson and James Borrego. The Cavaliers are looking for a coach who can help them compete for championships, especially with a roster built around stars like Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, and Darius Garland. The success of the Cavaliers’ offseason plans likely hinges on Mitchell’s decision regarding a max contract extension. With potential changes to the roster and coaching staff, the Cavaliers are positioning themselves as a competitive force in the upcoming NBA season.