Sources said Gottlieb, 41, will sign a four-year contract and is expected to play a prominent role in support of Beilein and associate head coach JB Bickerstaff. Commissioner Adam Silver has been determined for the league to welcome more women’s coaches into its ranks, and Gottlieb’s stature and coaching credentials are unprecedented among women’s coaches in the NBA.
JB Bickerstaff Rumors
The Cleveland Cavaliers have hired J.B. Bickerstaff as associate head coach, league sources told cleveland.com. The two sides are still working through the final details and specific terms of the contract, but sources said Bickerstaff will receive a long-term deal.
Bickerstaff impressed the Cavaliers during his interview for the head-coaching gig and was considered one of the team’s top candidates until John Beilein agreed to leave the University of Michigan. According to sources, the Cavs put Bickerstaff at the top of their list for Beilein’s No. 1 assistant, but didn’t want to force any coaches on Beilein, instead giving him the freedom to hire his own staff. On Wednesday morning, Beilein and Bickerstaff met for breakfast in Chicago at the Combine and the two hit it off, sources said.
Cavs hire JB Bickerstaff as associate HC
Adrian Wojnarowski: Cleveland has hired JB Bickerstaff as associate head coach, league sources tell ESPN. Bickerstaff was a target of several teams, but Cavs were determined to pair him with John Beilein and made him one of league’s top paid assistants.
With John Beilein as new head coach, the Cleveland Cavaliers have started the process of looking at candidates to fill out his staff. According to sources who spoke with cleveland.com, ex-Memphis Grizzlies head coach J.B. Bickerstaff is one possibility and Bickerstaff is expected to discuss that opportunity with Beilein in the near future.
Chris Fedor: #Cavs understand that there will be lots of competition for J.B. Bickerstaff as lead assistant, league sources tell @clevelanddotcom. Many teams want him. But he’s a guy they covet for John Beilein’s staff and it wouldn’t be as tricky as trying to pry away a guy under contract
Bickerstaff has been praised for his player development and defensive approach, helping the undermanned Grizzlies finish ninth in defensive rating — a massive improvement from 2017-18 when they ranked 22nd. The Cavs also known him well, as his father, Bernie, is currently a Senior Basketball Advisor with the team.
