CLEVELAND — Random dribbles ahead of the Cavaliers’ home-opener against former coach J.B. Bickerstaff and the Pistons …
1. The Cavs looked fantastic in the season-opener at Toronto. Other than perhaps some jitters in the first quarter, they were utterly dominant. I suspect Kenny Atkinson and his offensive system will make a difference.
2. Once the Cavs settled in defensively, they looked like they should be every bit as good as last season defensively, too.
3. Anyway, back to Bickerstaff. It seems as if I can’t praise Atkinson without feeling like I’m criticizing the former coaching staff. That’s not the intent. Atkinson is just probably the right coach for this team at the right time. Bickerstaff was the right coach for most of the previous five seasons.
4. Sometimes, all players need is a fresh voice. Larry Bird once said as a player, he was ready for a new coach every three years. (Interestingly, he stepped down as Pacers coach after three years exactly.) I got the sense at the end of last season, the players felt like Bird — they were ready for a new coach. And it was nothing personal against Bickerstaff.
5. As I said on the Baskin & Phelps show, Bickerstaff is perhaps the nicest, most personable coach I’ve covered in my two decades as a full-time NBA writer. His father, Bernie Bickerstaff, is equally awesome. I hope and expect Cavs fans to give J.B. a warm reception. He coached the franchise further in the playoffs without LeBron James than anyone since 1993.
6. OK, I don’t want to make these pre-game things too long. I think the Cavs should win. I think the Pistons will be improved under Bickerstaff. It will be odd to see him tonight in the visiting locker room. I think the Cavs will win. And they’d better. I don’t want to deal with angry fans if they lose. My least favorite part of the job — getting chastised when your favorite team loses. But I also love the passion, so there’s that.
7. Tipoff is 7:30 p.m. For much more on my take on the Cavs, listen to my full interview on 92.3 The Fan right here.
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