Cavaliers Could Reconsider Roster and Coaching Staff if Playoff Slide Continues
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Cleveland’s second-round series against Detroit is now a referendum on both the roster and head coach Kenny Atkinson, according to several league observers. Atkinson, last season’s Coach of the Year, may find his job in jeopardy if the Cavaliers fail to advance, ClutchPoints reporter Brett Seigel said in a recent video.
Seigel noted that an early exit “is going to raise major question marks about what the future of this roster looks like and, more importantly, what Kenny Atkinson’s future with the Cavaliers looks like.” The Pistons lead the best-of-seven matchup 2-0.
Regardless of the outcome, the losing coach is likely to face a difficult offseason, Jason Lloyd of The Athletic wrote.
Pistons’ Bickerstaff Feels Secure
Detroit head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, dismissed by Cleveland after a second-round loss two years ago, said his current position feels stable. “We’re going to be here for a while, right? And this group is going to be together for a while,” Bickerstaff told the Detroit Free Press, crediting team president Trajan Langdon and owner Tom Gores for giving him room to focus on long-term growth rather than short-term results.
Mitchell Must Elevate Offense
The Cavaliers need a heightened contribution from Donovan Mitchell to overcome the deficit, Lloyd reported. Mitchell struggled through the first round versus Toronto and Game 1 against Detroit, but scored 31 points in Game 2 by repeatedly attacking the paint. His outside shooting, however, continues to lag.
Harden’s Turnovers Mount
Veteran guard James Harden, acquired to push Cleveland over the top, has more turnovers than made field goals in four of the club’s nine playoff contests, Joe Reedy of the Associated Press pointed out. “For me, I got to be better,” Harden said. “(Not) turning the basketball over and getting shots up … gives our defense a chance to get back and be set.”
Reputations on the Line
ESPN’s Jamal Collier wrote that the postseason will heavily influence how both Harden and Mitchell are viewed around the league. Mitchell downplayed any added pressure, stating, “This isn’t pressure. Getting your next meal is pressure. … At least I know we put our best foot forward regardless of the result.”
The Cavaliers host Game 3 tomorrow night at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, still seeking their first win of the series.
Source: Hoops Rumors
