Report: J.B. Bickerstaff Snubbed Luke Walton and Sacramento Kings to Join Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers are thriving under the leadership of head coach J.B. Bickerstaff.

However, it’s known now that Bickerstaff was under heavy recruitment before coming to Cleveland.

According to Kelly Russo of The Athletic, the Cavs head coach turned down an opportunity to join Luke Walton and the Sacramento Kings.

“J.B. also had an opportunity to be an assistant coach for the Kings under Luke Walton,” Russo wrote. “But he knew Cavs GM Koby Altman previously, and after he interviewed for the position, he asked Bernie for his impressions of the organization.”

Bickerstaff, 41, has shined at the Cavs’ helm since taking over for former head coach John Beilein.

As a result of the early success, the front office quickly rewarded him with a multi-year contract.

Since becoming the Cavs’ head coach following the All-Star break, Bickerstaff has posted a 5-6 record. While there are more losses than wins, the Cavs have been extremely competitive and shown tons of growth.

In fact, one player believes the Cavs would be a 30-win squad had Bickerstaff coached the team since the beginning of the season.

Bickerstaff served as the head coach for the Memphis Grizzlies for two seasons before joining the Cavs.