J.B. Bickerstaff, the former Cleveland Cavaliers coach now leading the Detroit Pistons, recently weighed in on James Harden's candid remarks about loyalty being "overrated" in the NBA. Harden, who was traded to the Cavaliers from the Los Angeles Clippers at the trade deadline, has been a well-traveled player, suiting up for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Clippers, and now the Cavs.
Harden's career has been marked by strategic moves, prioritizing his personal goals over staying put. Bickerstaff seems to resonate with Harden's perspective, acknowledging the transactional nature of the league.
“I understand what he’s saying,” Bickerstaff commented. “We’ve all been there at some point - it’s a business where people make decisions they feel are best for them. You don’t want that vibe in your own building, but tough decisions are part of this business, so I get it.”
The Cavaliers are banking on Harden to be the catalyst in their quest for a championship this season. As the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference, they’re only 1.5 games shy of the No. 2 spot post-All-Star break. Riding a five-game winning streak, the Cavs have gained momentum after a sluggish start.
Harden has been delivering solid numbers this season, averaging 25.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game, with shooting splits of 42.0 percent from the field and 35.0 percent from beyond the arc. Since joining the Cavs, he’s contributed 19.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game.
Bickerstaff, meanwhile, has found success in Detroit after the Cavs moved on from him before the 2024-25 season, bringing in Kenny Atkinson. Atkinson guided Cleveland to the No. 1 seed in the East last year, while Bickerstaff has thrived with the Pistons, leading them to the playoffs as a No. 6 seed and currently boasting the best record in the conference.