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As the decision to bench center Andre Drummond as the team pursues a trade has drawn criticism – especially from Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green – Cleveland Cavaliers coach JB Bickerstaff, said “no one’s opinion should be suppressed”.
Bickerstaff said Drummond was not with the squad on Wednesday and that the Cavs are still discussing whether he will stay during trade talks. The team have decided not to play the All-Star double, which is in the final year of his contract and is not part of Cleveland’s long-term plans.
Drummond, 27, was on the bench and applauded his teammates in Monday night’s loss to Golden State.
After Monday’s game, Green said there is a double standard in the NBA in terms of players and trades – that players are unfairly labeled as selfish if they ask to be traded, while teams can do that. they want.
Bickerstaff was aware of Green’s comments but avoided saying that he disagreed with them.
“No one’s opinion should be suppressed,” Bickerstaff said Wednesday. “Obviously, there are conversations we’ve had with our guys about this process that not everyone is aware of. But again, men have a right to speak up and organizations have to do what’s best for the organization. I think that’s kind of how it works, and it shouldn’t be a two-way street, so to speak. ”
Bickerstaff once again praised Drummond’s professionalism “under difficult circumstances”.
“He’s been awesome,” Bickerstaff said. “He was in the locker room at halftime chatting with the guys about what he saw on the floor. He was there after the game. He was great through it all, and it’s not easy. . ”
The Cavs will continue to provide all the resources Drummond needs, Bickerstaff said.
There are still fears that Drummond’s awkward ordeal could negatively impact a young team like Cleveland’s. However, Bickerstaff remains convinced that the Cavs are engaged and can move forward without too much disruption.
“It’s not an easy situation, and anyone to say it would be dishonest,” Bickerstaff said. So we have to make sure that we also do the right thing. ”
As the Cavs watch it all 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. “He’s still our guy. I don’t know anything about what’s going on between him and the front office. But I just know that if Andre gets on this court tomorrow with us, we’re going to go fight with him.
“And whatever happens in the summer, we’ll be working with him this summer. It’s going to be that friendship, that relationship that we’re going to continue to build and grow. But whatever they have at the front office with him and Coach, this does not concern me. ”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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