There is nowhere to go but up for the Cleveland Cavaliers, and it appears they have found the right guy to lead the charge. JB Bickerstaff, the guy who replaced John Beilein this season at the coaching helm, will get that chance.
According to a report by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the 41-year-old was given a four-year contract extension recently. This means that Bickerstaff can point the Cavaliers in the right direction, and immediate results are likely a must. So far, he seems to be doing great, with most players praising the coaching change.
Tristan Thompson, Kevin Love, and Collin Sexton have been vocal about the changes, pointing out how the atmosphere and team outlook has changed dramatically. Thompson, normally a quiet guy who has frequented trade rumors because he will be a free agent this summer, lauded Beilein for his ability to read people and was good with personalities. It remains to be seen if this will factor in with his decision this offseason, especially since the Cavs made it known in the past they prefer to keep him around.
Love did not directly mention Bickerstaff but admitted that the aura has changed in the locker room. Sexton shared how the communication lines were now open and that the team had a direction. So far, that has translated well for the Cavaliers as they try to finish the season strong.
The Cavaliers are at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a 19-46 win-loss record. For now, their main objective is to figure out what things they need to work on this summer. There are 17 games left, but the wait to formally end the season may be extended. With the NBA set to suspend games, the Cavs can treat the extension as a way to improve in actual gameplay.
A good start for the Cavs would be to finish the season strong and not be at the tail-end of the standings. But then again, tanking would make sense since it would allow them better chances of picking a top prospect in the 2020 NBA Draft. Adding more shooters could help, perhaps the only missing piece since Cleveland has all other positions well-covered.
Andre Drummond is another guy that could change his mind. After making it clear he would opt-out if Beilein remained as head coach, the 26-year-old center may have a change of heart. Together with Love and Thompson, there is no question that the Cavs could boast of a formidable frontline that could be something to watch the next NBA season.
