CLEVELAND — Random dribbles forward of the Cavaliers’ home-opener in opposition to former coach J.B. Bickerstaff and the Pistons …
1. The Cavs seemed improbable within the season-opener at Toronto. Apart from maybe some jitters within the first quarter, they had been totally dominant. I believe Kenny Atkinson and his offensive system will make a distinction.
2. As soon as the Cavs settled in defensively, they seemed like they need to be each bit pretty much as good as final season defensively, too.
3. Anyway, again to Bickerstaff. It appears as if I can’t reward Atkinson with out feeling like I’m criticizing the previous teaching employees. That’s not the intent. Atkinson is simply in all probability the proper coach for this group on the proper time. Bickerstaff was the proper coach for many of the earlier 5 seasons.
4. Typically, all gamers want is a recent voice. Larry Hen as soon as stated as a participant, he was prepared for a brand new coach each three years. (Curiously, he stepped down as Pacers coach after three years precisely.) I received the sense on the finish of final season, the gamers felt like Hen — they had been prepared for a brand new coach. And it was nothing private in opposition to Bickerstaff.
5. As I stated on the Baskin & Phelps present, Bickerstaff is probably the nicest, most personable coach I’ve coated in my twenty years as a full-time NBA author. His father, Bernie Bickerstaff, is equally superior. I hope and count on Cavs followers to provide J.B. a heat reception. He coached the franchise additional within the playoffs with out LeBron James than anybody since 1993.
6. OK, I don’t need to make these pre-game issues too lengthy. I feel the Cavs ought to win. I feel the Pistons can be improved underneath Bickerstaff. It will likely be odd to see him tonight within the visiting locker room. I feel the Cavs will win. And so they’d higher. I don’t need to cope with offended followers in the event that they lose. My least favourite a part of the job — getting chastised when your favourite group loses. However I additionally love the fervour, so there’s that.
7. Tipoff is 7:30 p.m. For far more on my tackle the Cavs, hearken to my full interview on 92.3 The Fan proper right here.
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