Beilein disputes report players unhappy with him

First-year Cleveland Cavaliers coach John Beilein is disputing a report that his players are tuning him out.

Beilein spoke before Friday night’s 93-87 loss to the Orlando Magic and addressed a report from The Athletic that quoted anonymous Cleveland players. The report also said players have complained about Beilein’s coaching style and that his methods are not working.

The former Michigan coach said he believes he has his players’ attention and that they have been receptive.

“We’ve met … and it’s like, ‘Coach, keep doing what you’re doing because we really need this. We need accountability, we need to play harder, stronger, tougher. Don’t stop what you’re doing,'” Beilein said. “We were the worst defensive team in the NBA last year. What do we do, practice less?

“I have a lot of confidence the guys in the locker room are on board, and they’ve told me that.”

Cavs power forward Larry Nance Jr. expressed support for Beilein and disappointment that teammates had commented about Beilein behind his back.

“Ideally you want to keep that in-house if there was those issues,” Nance said after Friday’s loss, which was the Cavs’ fourth straight and 11th in their past 12 games. “I guess that’s today’s NBA. … I’ve never had an issue with a coach in my career, him being no different. I wanted to play for him at Michigan. I’m enjoying it.”

About The Author