The Cleveland Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff will continue to serve in his position next season, the team’s president of basketball operations Koby Altman confirmed on Friday. The Cavs have decided to keep their faith in Bickerstaff despite suffering a disappointing first-round exit from the NBA Playoffs.
In what was their first playoff appearance since LeBron James left the franchise five seasons ago, the Cavs lost in five games against the New York Knicks, who appeared to easily overpower them. Bickerstaff was subsequently criticized for his strategy in the series, particularly because of the team’s apparently rash tactical changes and the overall dominance of the Knicks.
“End that speculation,” Altman said in a text message to the Associated Press in response to speculation surrounding Bickerstaff’s potential dismissal. “He’s our head coach and we have a lot of support and respect for the job he’s done.”
The Cavs enjoyed a relatively successful regular season run, winning 51 games and finishing fourth in the Eastern Conference standings. Prior to their playoff loss, the Cavaliers boasted the best defensive record in the NBA.
