The coincidence of the calendar allowed JB Bickerstaff to quickly return to Cleveland, where he served as “head coach” from 2020 to 2024. Fired after the last playoffs, and replaced by Kenny Atkinson, the new Pistons coach did not really know what reception to expect from his old fans in Ohio…
“Who knows? » was he having fun like this before the meeting. “During my time there, reactions were mixed. So I might be booed, but I might also be applauded. Who knows? »
And Bernie Bickerstaff's son was right, because when the Cavaliers saluted him in the first quarter, the crowd at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse mixed boos and applause.
Proud of his work at the Cavs
Hands in his pockets, JB Bickerstaff did not react, ensuring that this return did not particularly affect him.
“I felt absolutely nothing” he assured, in response to a question about his feelings. “I didn't recognize the hallways so I was just trying to figure out where I should go. But that's all. »
Criticized for his tactical choices throughout his tenure in Cleveland, despite the progress of the team, which he had recovered from the bottom following the failed passage of John Beilein, JB Bickerstaff wanted to avoid any emotional investment for this return in Ohio. And still defend his record (170 victories – 159 defeats).
“We did a good job, from the beginning, when our staff took this group, to the end. In any rebuild, if you could ask that, every GM in this league, every owner in this league, every player in this league would sign. We have improved every year. Each year we went further, so we did the work that was asked of us and I am proud of it. »
