Page 20 - ARUBA TODAY

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Thursday 20 February 2020

Continued from page 17 All the losing had an effect Jr. and Cedi Osman.
"This was a very difficult de- on Beilein, who more than Beilein is not the first high-
cision for me, but I want to once acknowledged he profile college coach to
be clear — this was my de- was feeling beaten down flop in the NBA. Kentucky's
cision to step down and I by his team's struggles. John Calipari, Rick Pitino,
truly appreciate the under- Beilein said he wouldn't be- Tim Floyd, Mike Montgom-
standing and support of the ing stepping down if the ery and P.J. Carlesimo are
front office during this time," Cavs didn't have a succes- among a group who found
Beilein said in a statement sion plan in place with Bick- coaching at the highest
released by the team. "I find erstaff. Beilein is also looking level problematic.
losing very challenging and forward to the chance to "While it's unexpected, we
this year has taken a much reconnect with his family. understand and respect his
bigger toll on me than I ex- "For 45 years and more decision to step down as
pected. I grew concerned than 1,300 games, my jour- head coach of the Cava-
for the consequences this ney as a basketball coach liers," Altman said. "I was
toll could potentially take has been a dream come excited about the devel-
on my own health and my true," he said. "I have never opment of our young play-
family's well-being down In this Friday, Dec. 20, 2019 file photo, Cleveland Cavaliers head been afraid of a challenge ers, who have all shown
coach John Beilein gives instructions to players in the first half
the road. of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies in and have given each one growth and maturity under
"I was not certain I could Cleveland. my all — sometimes to the coach Beilein. ... The NBA
be at my best for the re- Associated Press detriment of my own well- is a unique business that
mainder of the season and being." sometimes requires aggres-
in the future. That would preferred sounding board full-time Houston coach af- Cavs general manager sive risk-taking on impor-
not be fair to the players, for Cleveland's players and ter the season. Koby Altman stood by tant long-term decisions to
coaches and support staff." he has head coaching ex- Almost from the start of Beilein throughout his ten- move a franchise forward
The Cavs went just 14-40 perience after nearly two training camp there were ure. But as the All-Star break and ultimately compete for
under Beilein, who the full seasons in Memphis and issues for Beilein in Cleve- approached, it became championships."
Cavaliers signed to a five- one with Houston. land. The Cavs didn't em- evident that a change was Beilein's departure contin-
year contract last May. The Bickerstaff took over the brace Beilein's practice necessary in order to sal- ues a troubling pattern for
team said he will be reas- Rockets 11 games into the methods — he had his big vage a season that from the Cavs, who have been
signed to a different role 2015-16 season when Kevin men doing grade-school the start was devoted to plagued by coaching in-
within the organization. McHale was fired. He led level fundamental "Mikan" developing the Cavs' core stability and nearly con-
Associate head coach J.B. them to a 37-34 record and drills — and players grum- of young talent, which in- stant change over the past
Bickerstaff will take over on a playoff appearance, but bled that he was treating cludes guards Collin Sexton few years. Bickertstaff is
an interim basis for Beilein. took his name out of con- them like kids and not paid and Darius Garland along Cleveland's seventh coach
Bickerstaff had become the sideration to be the next professionals. with forwards Larry Nance since 2013. q