It seemed apparent that J.B. Bickerstaff needed to go, but will a coaching change really take the Cavaliers to the next level?
The Cleveland Cavaliers have made two big moves this offseason: extending Donovan Mitchell, and replacing J.B. Bickerstaff with Kenny Atkinson at head coach.
Now, this isn't necessarily a defense of Bickerstaff. The Cavs players weren't responding well to his methods, and when that happens, yes; a change is required. On top of all that, Cleveland doesn't have the same top-level talent as the legitimate contenders. Mitchell is terrific, but beyond him, there are question marks, especially after the disappointing campaign Darius Garland just endured.We don't have to look any further than the Boston Celtics to see that. A year ago, many Celtics fans wanted to run Joe Mazzulla out of town. Today, he is the toast of Beantown.
A coach's scheme is only as effective as the players that are in it, so if Atkinson overhauls the offensive system, it doesn't ensure that success is guaranteed. Then you look at the Golden State Warriors, who were able to employ a similar playstyle much more effectively. Why? Because they had one of the most stacked rosters in NBA history. Steve Kerr did a fine job implementing the system, but really, the lion's share of the credit rested on the shoulders of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and, later, Kevin Durant.
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