Report: J.B. Bickerstaff lands new role as Cavaliers associate head coach
The Cleveland Cavaliers have reportedly hired J.B. Bickerstaff to become their new associate head coach, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Cleveland has hired JB Bickerstaff as associate head coach, league sources tell ESPN. Bickerstaff was a target of several teams, but Cavs were determined to pair him with John Beilein and made him one of league’s top paid assistants.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 19, 2019
While terms surrounding his contract have yet to be announced, Woj reports this deal will make Bickerstaff one of the highest paid assistants in the NBA. He also revealed that several other franchises had Bickerstaff on their radar, but newly appointed head coach John Beilein and general manager Koby Altman convinced him to come to Cleveland.
Bickerstaff had talked with Sixers, Celtics, Lakers and Kings about lead assistant roles, but Beilein and GM Koby Altman helped convince him to play a central role in helping ex-Michigan coach transition to NBA. Bickerstaff was HC with Grizzlies and Rockets. https://t.co/7EOWBfCmhf
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 19, 2019
Bickerstaff is the son of former NBA coach Bernie Bickerstaff, who currently serves as senior basketball adviser in the Cavs’ front office, a role he has held since 2014.
Bickerstaff’s resume includes nearly three years of NBA head-coaching experience, with his latest stint being the head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies for the past two years.
The 40-year-old replaced Kevin McHale as head coach of the Houston Rockets during the 2015-2016 season. The Rockets went 37-34 under Bickerstaff and lost in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. His all-time record as a head coach is 85-131.
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