After failing to reach the Eastern Conference finals, the Cleveland Cavaliers decided to fire head coach J.B. Bickerstaff. The organization told the public that it was time for a “different voice” in the building.
“Someone with a new approach, someone with a different voice, a fresh set of eyes to help us move forward,” Cavaliers president of basketball operations Koby Altman said, via ESPN. “We’ve accomplished a lot in the last few years, getting to a conference semifinal, and we don’t want to be complacent.”
According to a report from The Athletic, however, the Cavaliers thought Bickerstaff was “too hands on” and wanted control of everything.
Once this report from The Athletic was shared with the public, just about every single person had the same reaction.
Jemele Hill said, “So he got fired for … coaching?”
“He thought he was the coach or something,” a fan said sarcastically.
Another fan replied, “Isn’t that what coaches are supposed to do?”
If this report is accurate, this is a rough look for Cleveland. How does a coach get fired for being “too hands on” at practice? That’s part of the job.
Bickerstaff coached the Cavaliers from 2019-2024, making the playoffs twice during that stretch. Over the last two seasons, he has racked up 99 wins.