J.B. Bickerstaff On Adding Max Strus, Georges Niang To Cavs' Offense
J.B. Bickerstaff has big plans for the newest members of the Cleveland Cavaliers and the offense he plans to run this season.
Cleveland's head coach doesn't want Georges Niang and Max Strus to be sitting in the corner waiting for the ball. Rather, Bickerstaff wants them to be in the action, making plays and helping turn the Cavaliers' offense into one with many layers.
J.B. talked about the impact that Strus and Niang will have while also admitting that it could take time to get everyone on the same page.
"You can be more dynamic, you don't have to be as stagnant. But even in that, there are lessons to be learned there. When those guys are moving and they're creating gravity, you know the guy with the ball in his hand has to get comfortable enough to know what to do and where they're gonna go and where they're going to be as outlets. So, you know it's a good problem to have, there's so much benefit to it. But again, it's just part of the process and us learning how to play together."
So far, these two new additions have fit in nicely. There are still a few quirks to be worked out but fans have already gotten a glimpse at what Cleveland's offense will look like when they put it all together.
Oct 10, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray (5) dribbles against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus (1) during the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
© Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Niang is averaging 6.0 points while shooting 44 percent from behind the arc through the first two preseason games. Strus is averaging 8.0 points while shooting 36 percent from three. Forcing defenses to give these two shooters attention will open up many more opportunities for Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, and Evan Mobley.
There are certainly still going to be growing pains as J.B. said. But Cleveland's offense is already looking like it will be much deeper and dynamic with them in it.
