Despite leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Eastern Conference semifinals, Coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s return for the next season remains uncertain. Reports indicate that Bickerstaff, along with his assistant coaches, is under evaluation and has not been assured of his position for the upcoming season.
Bickerstaff’s track record includes consecutive playoff appearances and a hard-fought first-round series win over the Orlando Magic in seven games. These achievements bolster his case for continuity, and he has expressed his desire to remain with the Cavaliers. When questioned after the team’s season-ending loss to the Boston Celtics on Wednesday about his future with the team, Bickerstaff responded confidently, “I mean, no one’s told me I’m not. So, I’ll keep showing up ’til they tell me not to.”
At 45, Bickerstaff holds a 170-159 record over four-plus seasons with the Cavaliers and a 6-11 record in playoff games. His future could be influenced by several roster decisions looming before the end of June, including the pivotal decision regarding All-Star Donovan Mitchell’s contract.
Mitchell, who has one year remaining on his contract and a player option for the 2025-26 season, is eligible for a lucrative four-year extension worth over $200 million this offseason. His decision to commit to Cleveland could significantly impact Bickerstaff’s future.
Mitchell, 27, had an impressive regular season, averaging 26.6 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game. However, he missed Games 4 and 5 of the playoff series against the Celtics due to a calf injury. Bickerstaff emphasized the potential of the Cavaliers’ roster, stating, “We’ve got good individual players, we have high-character players that are concerned about winning. And anytime you have that, you’re gonna give yourself an opportunity. I would love to see what we look like when we’re whole for an entire season, what pressure we can put on the league from that standpoint.”
As the Cavaliers’ management weighs their options, Bickerstaff’s fate hangs in the balance, contingent on both his past performance and the strategic decisions involving key players like Mitchell.
