New Cleveland Cavaliers head coach JB Bickerstaff continues to bring in good vibes to the team. After several NBA vets revealed that things are now different, sophomore guard Collin Sexton joins the group in lauding the coaching change.
According to the 21-year-old, the Cavs are now enjoying energy at an entirely different level. Communication lines are open and things are looking up for Cleveland, SI.com reported. Bickerstaff continues to draw positive feedback with more expected to follow.
“We’re all trying to play for something now. I would say we’re a lot closer and there’s more freedom for everyone to talk and for everyone to get their point across. If you feel like a coverage isn’t going to work, we’re able to tell coach and just have that discussion, which is really cool,” Sexton said.
The Cavaliers are at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings and are using the remaining games as part of their plan to rebuild. This is despite the possibility of seeing some players leave for free agency in the summer. Among those who could jump ship are Tristan Thompson and Andre Drummond. Lest we forget, Kevin Love could also be shipped out if a sensible trade is pitched to Cavs management.
Thompson and Love seemed to show a change of heart when Bickerstaff took over from John Beilein. Thompson lauded the new head coach, christening him as someone who knew how to handle players. Love, on the other hand, was the first one to share the renewed energy and camaraderie within the team. It remains to be seen if this will be enough to keep them by the time the 2020-21 NBA season starts.
Yet to share their takes are rookie Darius Garland and Andre Drummond. Garland is someone who is unlikely to say much, preferring to focus on his development than team issues. Drummond is a different story. It wasn't too long ago that the 26-year-old center was displeased on being shipped to Cleveland and made it known he would move out if Beilein would still be there as head coach. He has yet to give his take on Bickerstaff.
Drummond has been in and out of the Cavs roster due to injuries. That said, it would be hard to project if the 9th overall pick of the 2012 NBA Draft will stay or go this summer. On paper, most may have overlooked the fact that the Cavs have a lethal starting unit in Drummond, Love, Thompson, Garland, and Sexton. If general manager Koby Altman can keep them and add more talent, there is no reason to believe the Cavaliers will be formidable next NBA season.
