clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Some Cavs players reportedly unhappy with how John Beilein coaches

One player told The Athletic that the team’s assistants are ‘more prepared.’

If you buy something from an SB Nation link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

Portland Trail Blazers v Cleveland Cavaliers Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers have lost 10 of their last 11 games and are struggling. Some of the team’s veterans are also reportedly unhappy with John Beilein and how he coaches, according to a report from The Athletic:

Veterans and younger players, from all corners of the roster, are frustrated with what they see as the pitfalls of a college environment Beilein brought with him. When the Cavs were 4-5, players viewed some of these things as quirks of a coach with a different approach.

Now, they consider them grating. Grievances include his nitpicking over basic fundamentals, too much harping in lengthy film sessions, not enough versatility on offense, and a broader lack of understanding of the NBA game and opposing players. Some of that comes with this being his first year in the league.

The piece also notes that the players note that repeated double-digit losses is on them as well. It also indicates that one veteran player isn’t a fan of terminology used — i.e. a “curl” being called a “polar bear.” Which, ok!

The tug between vets like Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson and Jordan Clarkson and Beilein was always going to be there — even if Love and others talked about the positives of working on fundamentals and the like during training camp. Losing was never going to help that, but it’s still suboptimal that the Cavs are 20ish games into the season and at this point.

Winning some games and getting on the right track would help some of this. Roster turnover now and in the offseason might help too. But for now, it seems Beilein and at least some of the players aren’t on the same page.