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Cavaliers lock-up J.B. Bickerstaff for assistant coach role

The Cavs have hired the highly sought after coach to assist with the NBA transition of John Beilein.

NBA: Memphis Grizzlies at Detroit Pistons Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Cavaliers have found their man to assist John Beilein in adjusting to the NBA game with the hiring of J.B. Bickerstaff as their lead assistant.

Bickerstaff served as the head coach for the Memphis Grizzlies over the last two seasons, as well as the interim head coach for the Houston Rockets in 2016. His father, Bernie Bickerstaff, has served as an advisor for the Cavs since 2013.

The news of the hire was first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski:

Wojnarowski also reported that Bickerstaff was being pursued by several teams for the lead assistant role:

This is a very solid hire for the Cavs, and continues to show their commitment to turning things around after a tough first season without LeBron James.

Dan Gilbert has shown a willingness to take on salary in exchange for draft picks and other assets, and made Bickerstaff a top paid assistant in an effort to lock up the best coaching staff money can buy.

While the draft lottery didn’t do the team any favors, they have shown a commitment to making the most of the assets they have.

Bickerstaff’s experience as a head coach should prove to be a valuable asset for the transition of Beilein. Having Beilein involved in the coaching search should help create a more healthy relationship between the two coaches. At least in comparison to David Blatt and Tyronn Lue being hired on the same day and trying to figure things out from there.