“‘NO DOUBT’ Donovan Mitchell a Factor in Cavs Firing J.B. Bickerstaff, Says Brian Windhorst on NBA Today
The NBA world was rocked today when the Cleveland Cavaliers announced that they have fired head coach J.B. Bickerstaff just halfway through his second season with the team. Many were left wondering what prompted this sudden decision, but ESPN’s Brian Windhorst believes that there is “no doubt” that star player Donovan Mitchell played a role in the firing.
In an action-packed episode of NBA Today, Windhorst joined host Malika Andrews to discuss the shocking news and provide some insight into the behind-the-scenes drama. He revealed that sources have told him that Mitchell, who was recently traded to the Cavs, was actively lobbying for Bickerstaff to be let go due to tension between the two.
Mitchell’s Involvement in Firing of Bickerstaff
According to Windhorst, Mitchell was unhappy with Bickerstaff’s coaching style and felt like he wasn’t being utilized properly on the court. This caused friction between the two, and Mitchell reportedly made it known to team management that he believed a change was necessary. And it seems like his wish was granted, as the Cavs announced the firing just one day after playing their last game without Mitchell in the lineup.
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This move by the Cavs comes as a surprise to many, as Bickerstaff had a respectable 20-40 record with the team and was seen as a promising young coach in the league. However, Windhorst notes that this is not the first player that Mitchell has had issues with, as he had similar problems with former Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder. It remains to be seen if Mitchell will be able to mesh better with the next coach that the Cavs bring in.
If Windhorst’s sources are to be believed, it seems that Donovan Mitchell played a direct role in J.B. Bickerstaff’s firing, showing the immense power that star players hold in today’s NBA. With Mitchell now being the center of attention in Cleveland, all eyes will be on his performance on the court and his ability to work with his new coach. For more on this story and all the latest news and analysis in the world of basketball, be sure to check out ACTION PACKED NEWS.