As the decision to replace pivot Andre Drummond while the team seeks an exchange drew criticism – especially from Golden State Warriors striker Draymond Green – Cleveland Cavaliers coach JB Bickerstaff said that “nobody’s opinion should be silenced”.
Bickerstaff said Drummond was not with the team on Wednesday and the Cavs are still debating whether he will be around while business negotiations continue. The team decided not to play the All-Star twice, which is in the final year of the contract and is not part of Cleveland’s long-term plans.
Drummond, 27, was on the bench and applauded his teammates during Monday night’s defeat at the Golden State.
After Monday’s game, Green said that there is a double standard in the NBA in terms of players and negotiations – players are unfairly labeled as selfish if they ask to be negotiated, while teams can do whatever they want.
Bickerstaff was aware of Green’s comments, but avoided saying that he disagreed with them.
“No one’s opinion should be silenced,” said Bickerstaff on Wednesday. “Obviously, there are conversations that we had with our guys about this process that not everyone is aware of. But again, people have the right to speak their voice and organizations have to do what is best for the organization. I think it is how it works, and it shouldn’t be a two-way street, so to speak. ”
Bickerstaff again praised Drummond’s professionalism “under difficult circumstances”.
“He’s been doing great,” said Bickerstaff. “He was in the locker room at the break, talking to the guys about what he saw on the floor. He was there after the game. He’s been shaking in all of this, and it’s not easy. ”
The Cavs will continue to provide all the resources Drummond needs, said Bickerstaff.
There is always concern that Drummond’s difficult ordeal could have a negative impact on a young team like Cleveland. However, Bickerstaff remains confident that the Cavs are committed and can move on without much interruption.
“This is not an easy situation, and anyone who says that would be being dishonest,” said Bickerstaff. “This goes back to the way we treat each other, period, as human beings and not just as pieces on a puzzle board. So we have to make sure that we are doing the right thing for him too. ”
As Cavs watches everything unfold, guard Collin Sexton said Drummond has the support of his teammates.
Sexton, however, did not say whether Drummond was being treated fairly.
“I’m just focused on the season,” he said. “This is still our guy. I don’t know anything about what’s going on between him and the front office. But I only know that if Andre steps on the court tomorrow with us, we will go out and fight with him.
“And whatever happens in the summer, we will work with him in the summer. It will be this friendship, this relationship that we will continue to build and grow. But whatever they have in the office with him and the coach, it does not belong to me. ”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.