The 6 post-season awards the Cavs should be considered the front-runner for
By Chad Porto
![Oct 20, 2021; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) talks with Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ricky Rubio (3) during a time-out during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports Oct 20, 2021; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) talks with Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ricky Rubio (3) during a time-out during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/c03bc00e7c919042953e94b666a0f144235418ebfff06cc7f1a35fcc3b9990ce.jpg)
Coach of the Year – J.B. Bickerstaff
The Cavs run a high-intensity offense, that’s fed through their defense. They’re not afraid to attack inside like a football team that loved running with their fullback. I like to think that Mike Alsott’s favorite basketball team this year is the Cleveland Cavaliers. The defense is much improved as well, arguably their strength and where the team’s gameplan begins and ends. The team is gelling together well, playing off each other well, and doing all the things a good squad should do.
That’s all in part due to the system Bickerstaff has implemented. He looked lost last year when he took over for the team after the whole John Beilein “era”. Bickerstaff was brought on as his assistant with the hope Beilein would teach the young players how to play ball the right way, and then in a few years, Bickerstaff would replace the then-67-year-old coach.
Judging Bickerstaff on that year would have been a mistake, and the team made the right call in bringing back Bickerstaff this year as head coach. He’s rewarded the team’s confidence in him by showcasing his ability to implement an offense and defense that not only works in the NBA but also with the talent he has.