Memphis Grizzlies: 3 Reasons Cleveland Should Steer Clear of J.B. Bickerstaff in NBA Rumors
J.B. Bickerstaff could possibly become the Cleveland Cavaliers’ head coach in the very near future, but they should strongly consider against it.
It has not been a full two weeks and former Memphis Grizzlies Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff has become linked to another head coaching opportunity. Though a hire is not yet imminent, the Cleveland Cavaliers head coaching vacancy would be a tall task for Bickerstaff.
On Tuesday, The New York Times‘ Marc Stein mentioned that J.B. Bickerstaff could land within the select few names to be interviewed for the Cavaliers’ head coach opening.
The Cavaliers have interest in former Grizzlies coach JB Bickerstaff and may formally add him to their coaching search, which is still in its early stages, according to league sources
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) April 23, 2019
In his 1.5 seasons leading the Grizzlies at the helm, Bickerstaff earned the trust and respect of the team’s Front Office brass. However, enough was enough. They want a clean slate to go hand-in-hand with the impending rebuild project, so General Manager Chris Wallace was demoted along with Bickerstaff (booted), whom Wallace decided upon as the interim head coach in 2017-18 season, leading into the eventual full-time coaching gig for J.B. in 2018-19.
Grizz Nation will admit that change was needed. In fact, it was long overdue. However, a poor showing — a 33-49 overall record this season — was not entirely J.B. Bickerstaff’s fault. After all, he was selected for the job in which he did not have much prior experience. Wallace & company did not conduct a thorough search and interview process. Instead, they quickly handed J.B. the full-time keys to the Grizzlies sports car.
J.B. Bickerstaff was in over his head this season. It would have been a better fit had the roster still had names such as Zach Randolph and Tony Allen on it. Veteran leadership. Vocal leadership. Marc Gasol and Mike Conley have routinely demonstrated excellence on and off the hardwood, but leadership is something they are not known for. If anything, they are known for being silent but deadly.
Bickerstaff’s days with the Memphis Grizzlies are now in the past. The book has officially closed on that short chapter. The damage is done and the Grizzlies have missed playoff eligibility for the second consecutive season. J.B. may be on to something as greener pastures may exist in Cleveland.
But not so fast. The Cavaliers are rather similar in structure and makeup to the Bickerstaff-led 2018-19 Memphis Grizzlies squad. If these NBA rumors are true, is he ready to assume the head coach position once again? Is J.B. a better fit in Cleveland than he was in Memphis?
Beale Street Bears presents three reasons why the Cleveland Cavaliers must steer clear of J.B. Bickerstaff in a head coaching capacity.