The Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to a contract extension with head coach J.B. Bickerstaff that would reportedly keep Bickerstaff with the team through the 2026-27 NBA season.
The team's official announcement released late Christmas Saturday morning, while ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski first reported the story.
Bickerstaff has overseen a remarkable turnaround from a long-struggling Cavs team that is currently 19-13 for the season and in fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings. Led by a young core of players that includes Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and standout rookie Evan Mobley, the Cavs have become one of the most improved teams in the Association, having the NBA's largest improvement in win percentage points (.288) this season.
“The decision to extend J.B. is not based solely on the early success of this season, but rather a body of work since his arrival to Cleveland," said Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman on Saturday. "His leadership style, coaching experience and commitment to player development has instilled a growing confidence that resonates across our entire organization. We continue to see innovative and strategic examples of his impact on this roster, coupled by his unique ability to build upon a culture that leads to sustainable success.”
A big jump for Cleveland this season has been on defense, as the Cavs rank third in defensive efficiency this season, trailing only Golden State and Phoenix. Cleveland ranked 25th a season ago.
Bickerstaff took over for John Beilein midway through the Cavs' 2019-20 season, and led the Cavs for just 11 games before the team's premature season end due to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.
In two-plus seasons as Cleveland head coach, Bickerstaff sports an overall record of 46-69.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram