Cavs: JB Bickerstaff's Future in Cleveland in Question After Elimination, Donovan Mitchell Relationship Could Play Role

JB Bickerstaff - Orlando Magic v Cleveland Cavaliers - Game One
(Photo : Jason Miller/Getty Images) CLEVELAND, OHIO - Donovan Mitchell (#45) listens to head coach J.B. Bickerstaff of the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 20, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Magic 97-83.

The Cleveland Cavaliers were eliminated from the 2024 NBA playoffs after losing Game 5 of their Eastern Conference semifinals series against the Boston Celtics, 113-98, on Wednesday, May 15, at the TD Garden.

Despite their valiant playoff run, Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff's future is up in the air as they head into a crucial summer.

Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported that the Cavaliers are expected to evaluate Bickerstaff's future with the franchise during this offseason.

The 45-year-old has been at the helm for the Cavs since February 2020, guiding the team to playoff appearances in the past two seasons, seeing their most success in the post-LeBron James era.

Read more: Timberwolves Star Anthony Edwards Gets 100% Real on Nuggets Star Nikola Jokic's Incredible Game 5 Performance 

Bickerstaff reportedly came close to losing his job after a 10-9 start to the season. In early December, the Cavs faced the struggling Detroit Pistons amidst their record-losing streak and winless November.

The Cavs won 110-101; had they lost, Bickerstaff would likely have been dismissed.

Donovan Mitchell's endorsement is a huge factor in J.B. Bickerstaff's future

With Cavs star Donovan Mitchell potentially not extending his contract and becoming a free agent in 2025, the team might be inclined to do everything to keep him happy, including involving him in decisions regarding their head coach situation.

However, Mitchell is not particularly confident in Bickerstaff and is not alone in this sentiment.

According to a report by Shams Charania, Joe Vardon, and Jason Lloyd of The Athletic, several players questioned Bickerstaff's strategies, game management, practice habits, and accountability measures throughout the campaign.

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