Michigan AD’s comments show how John Beilein is all-in with Cavs

Cleveland Cavaliers head coach John Beilein is all-in with the team in what is his first coaching experience in the NBA, and comments by Michigan’s athletic director Warde Manuel illustrate that in relation to his former head coach’s new job.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have seemingly noted how they are excited to continue on in their player development era under new head coach John Beilein, who general manager Koby Altman has often called a “culture driver” a number of times, including in Beilein’s introductory press conference, as we hit on.

Beilein is 66, and has clearly won everywhere he’s coached, as evidenced by him reportedly not ever being fired or even being an assistant coach.

More from King James Gospel

• 3 possible starting lineups for Cleveland Cavaliers in 2023-24
• The Cavaliers may have snagged a hidden gem in Craig Porter Jr.
• 4 players the Cavaliers should pursue in 2024 free agency
• 6 players Cavaliers might replace Jarrett Allen with by the trade deadline
• This stat is one to keep an eye on for Cavaliers’ Max Strus in years ahead

Beilein hasn’t had any NBA coaching experience, though (as we’ve discussed), but the Cleveland Cavaliers seemingly have their candidate now, in that the former Michigan head coach (of the last 12 seasons, per Sports Reference), has always stressed his programs be of the highest character, be especially hard-working and play team-oriented ball on both ends.

That aligns well with what Altman and the Cavaliers are looking to build in the near future, and the work ethic and character seem to be there already, and the principles of team-oriented play on both ends can at least be taught in the near future by Beilein and his coaching staff, which at least will include former Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies head coach J.B. Bickerstaff as his associate head coach.

His 278-150 record in his time at Michigan (per Sports Reference), where he made them into a consistent winner, illustrated that, and because of how detail-oriented he is, particularly in his teaching of motion offense (as Nik Stauskas reportedly noted).

Additionally, when it comes to the fit with Cleveland, Beilein, just like it was reportedly the case with the Cavs’ front office, is all-in with Cleveland, and seemed to pull the trigger right away in leaving Michigan and making the jump to the league to help the Cavaliers turn things around centered around players such as Collin Sexton, Cedi Osman, Kevin Love and Larry Nance Jr. 

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel touched on how it was shocking how fast the process was in regards to Beilein making the jump to the NBA in new head coach Juwan Howard’s introductory press conference, as Manuel said he was “very surprised,” by it (h/t Sam Amico of Amico Hoops).

Manuel would expand on that a bit shortly thereafter (again, h/t Amico), and this demonstrates how Beilein is totally committed to making the Cleveland Cavaliers a winner again in the near future.

"“He called and told me he accepted the job and there was nothing for me to offer,” Manuel said. “He called and said he already accepted the job.”"

In an appearance on 92.3 The Fan’s “Baskin and Phelps,” (and h/t Amico), Beilein also said that this job with Cleveland will be his last head coaching job, and I would imagine that means he’s going to want to go out a winner, as any coach would, and one in particular, going from the college ranks to the NBA for the first time.

The Cleveland Cavaliers seem to believe they got their ideal candidate, and we’ll see if they can get a healthier Love next season (who only appeared in 22 games, per Basketball Reference) and if Beilein and company can improve in 2019-20 on their 2018-19 rough 19-63 record (per NBA.com). I would hope that, at minimum, is the case, anyhow.