Cleveland Cavaliers fire head coach J.B. Bickerstaff. Who will replace him?

On Thursday, the Cleveland Cavaliers dismissed head coach J.B. Bickerstaff. In total, the 45-year-old amassed a 170-159 regular-season record across a five-year span as the team’s head coach. While the Cavs managed to make it to the playoffs in the last two consecutive campaigns, it is understood that all was not well behind closed doors.

How did the Cavs & J.B. Bickerstaff get here?

“J.B. is a well-respected NBA coach and an incredible human being,” Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman said in a statement on Thursday. “Over the past four years, he helped establish a culture that progressively drove players to become the best versions of themselves. Decisions like these are never easy, particularly when you look back at where this franchise rebuild started under his leadership.” Those were the words given in the wake of now-former Cavs head coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s dismissal.

Yet, as much as they seem to be in conflict with the general body of work that Bickerstaff was able to construct, there are some reports that suggest this was always on the cards. Following a game against the Houston Rockets back in December, Altman reportedly criticized Bickerstaff in front of his entire staff for playing star guard Donovan Mitchell too many minutes. It’s also understood that players were frustrated with a lack of structure during practices as well as the offense as a whole. On the note of Mitchell specifically, reports also indicate that he “did not have great confidence in Bickerstaff,” which understandably did not help the coach’s cause. If we’re honest, it’s all but certain that the Cavs’ plans going forward - roster or coach-wise - hinge on what happens with Mitchell. If you didn’t know, the 27-year-old is up for a contract extension this season, and should he fail to agree to one, will become a free agent next summer. Needless to say, that would present the possibility of losing him for free if the requisite trade can’t be negotiated.

OK, so who will the Cavs hire as head coach?

That’s a good question. Again, a lot of this will be determined by Mitchell’s situation. While it’s true that reports suggest an extension is likely, there has been no official word on that i.e., Mitchell’s future with the franchise remains uncertain. To that end, one has to assume that any new hire will require Mitchell’s blessing. On the other hand, said coach would also have to be capable of coaching a team that does not have Mitchell in it, should negotiations break down. That’s to say, a coach who can find a way to mold Darius Garland into the leader of the team, while figuring out how to play Jarrett Allen - assuming he stays - with Evan Mobley.

So, who are the coaches that fit that description? According to reports, the leading candidates are Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson and Pelicans associate James Borrego. Where Atkinson is concerned, the former Brooklyn Nets coach has made a name for himself as Steve Kerr’s assistant in the Bay Area and appears to be happy where he is. Indeed, Atkinson turned down a chance to coach the Charlotte Hornets in 2022 after initially accepting the job. It’s also worth noting that Atkinson previously worked with Jarrett Allen, a player that he effectively pushed to become what he is today.

This brings us to Borrego who can be considered the main man in this scenario. A clear fit for the Cavs, Borrego is known for having done a lot with a little as the coach of the Charlotte Hornets during his time as head coach there. It would be interesting to see him taking control of a more talented roster, something that he will definitely find in Cleveland. There are of course other names being tossed around, such as former Lakers and most recently Suns coach, Frank Vogel. Now on the market after his stint in Phoenix, Vogel is a defensive-thinking coach who also has a championship under his belt. There is also Johnnie Bryant who it has to be said would be all about keeping Mitchell happy. Do recall that Bryant was a Utah Jazz assistant during the first years of Mitchell’s NBA career i.e., this is a coach who is familiar with the Cavs star and vice versa. Last but not least, we’ve got JJ Redick who has no previous experience despite the growing interest in him. On the other hand, could it be that the Cavs are trying to place pressure on the Lakers - a team said to be interested in Redick - so that they can take their time with Atkinson and Borrego without fear of LA getting involved? As we always say, watch this space.