John Beilein's NBA adventure may not last a full season. Multiple reports during Sunday's NBA All-Star Game said that Beilein may resign as coach of the Cavaliers, with each characterizing the timeline for his departure differently.
The Athletic's Shams Charania, Jason Lloyd and Kelsey Russo reported that Beilein may leave after the end of the season. ESPN's Adrian Wojanrowski and Brian Windhorst followed by reporting that Beilein may resign as coach of the Cavaliers during the All-Star break, which for the Cavaliers runs through Thursday.
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Beilein left the University of Michigan, where he had been highly successful, for the Cavs last summer, but his coaching principles have not translated to the pro game. Cleveland is last in the Eastern Conference at 14-40 and players reportedly have been frustrated with his style. Cleveland star Kevin Love has shown his frustration on the court at times.
There was also the matter of Beilein referring to his players as "thugs" during a film session. He later apologized and said he meant to say "slugs."
Cleveland signed Beilein to a five-year contract last May to replace interim coach Larry Drew, who replaced the fired Tyronn Lue.
During his introductory press conference, Beilein said he saw a high ceiling with the Cleveland organization, similar to what he saw when he came to Michigan.
“I love the young roster. I love the draft picks and the potential we have for flexibility now and in the future," Beilein said. Cleveland features young building blocks Collin Sexton, Darius Garland and Kevin Porter Jr.
That future, it appears, will not include Beilein.
