John Beilein and Cavaliers Reportedly Discussing Assistant Role for JB Bickerstaff
By Jerry Trotta
Out of what seemed like nowhere, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Monday morning that the Cleveland Cavaliers had a five-year deal in place with John Beilein to make the former Michigan Wolverines boss the franchise's new head coach.
Fast forward to Monday evening, and Woj is now linking former Grizzlies head coach JB Bickerstaff as a potential name that the Cavs could add to Beilein's first staff.
Cavs coach John Beilein and JB Bickerstaff expected to soon discuss possibility of an associate head coaching role, sources tell ESPN. Bickerstaff interviewed for Cavs and Lakers openings. He remains a sought-after top assistant on market. Beilein wants an experienced NBA staff.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 13, 2019
It goes without saying that Cleveland is looking for an experienced lead assistant to help make Beilein's transition to the pros as smooth and polished as possible. Bickerstaff's current unemployment makes him easier to target rather than trying to pray away an assistant presently under contract with another franchise.
In three seasons as a head coach in the Association -- one with Houston and two in Memphis -- Bickerstaff tallied a record of 85-131, including a 1-4 mark in the playoffs. Each stint came at least initially as an interim replacement following a firing.
New #Cavs coach John Beilein to discuss adding JB Bickerstaff as associate head coach.https://t.co/WO3mAYqn9s
— Cavs Nation (@CavsNationCP) May 13, 2019
With the hiring of Beilein, the possible appointment of the well-traveled Bickerstaff, and Tuesday's all-important Draft Lottery, this week could prove to be the Cavaliers' first sight at a potential (and slight) emergence from incompetence since LeBron James' departure.