Bickerstaff’s comments on Cavs’ depth ring hollow after double-overtime loss in Chicago

The Cavaliers just completed their second of seven back-to-back matchups in the 29 games on the post-All-Star-break schedule.

They’re 1-3 in those back-to-backs so far.

After the Cavs’ 132-123 loss in double overtime at Chicago, I’ve been thinking back to some comments that coach J.B. Bickerstaff made in a Feb. 21 press conference.

The topic: depth.

“I think it’s important to just continue to focus on our depth,” Bickerstaff told reporters, when asked about the seven back-to-backs on the schedule. “Being able to go 10, 11 men deep gives us an opportunity to not kill anybody.

“Obviously, you’re gonna play and do what you gotta do to win the games. But understanding how you manage first halves versus second halves where you don’t have to just put a ton of pressure on one guy to play a ton of minutes because of the depth that we have – that’s been our message to our guys is embrace the depth, embrace the opportunities for your teammates to be successful, and at the end of the day that’s all that matters.”

The Cavs showcased their newfound depth in the six weeks or so that Evan Mobley and Darius Garland were out of the lineup.

When Bickerstaff was forced to turn to his bench, guys like Sam Merrill, Craig Porter Jr. and even Damian Jones got playing time, and they seized the opportunity, for the most part. Tristan Thompson was a big part of the equation as well.

It seemed like depth was becoming a strength of this team. And Bickerstaff – who favors tight, playoff-style rotations throughout the season – sure seemed like he was beginning to see the light, based on his comments.

To be fair, nine- and 10-man rotations are the norm in the NBA. Still, with a brutal schedule on the docket – including five games in seven days twice – you’d think this would be the perfect time to mix things up and capitalize on the Cavs’ depth.

Evidently not.

The Feb. 28 double-overtime loss in Chicago is a great example. On the second night of a back-to-back, Bickerstaff employed a nine-man rotation. (Bulls coach Billy Donovan used a 10-man rotation.)

Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland each played 44 minutes. The previously minutes-restricted Evan Mobley played 42 minutes. Caris LeVert – who had a terrific game – logged 39 minutes off the bench.

Merrill played zero minutes.

Porter played zero minutes.

On a night when the Bulls outrebounded the Cavs 74-39 – and Jarrett Allen’s legs looked heavy – the 6-10 Jones played zero minutes. Jones has provided a spark in the few opportunities that he’s had this season.

In the previous night’s win over Dallas, Bickerstaff employed a nine-man rotation as well, opting not to use Merrill or Porter.

And let’s be honest: Some guys had zero chance of playing.

Barring a rash of injuries or illnesses, the 6-11 Pete Nance will never play a single minute of meaningful (non-garbage-time) NBA basketball.

Same goes for Sharife Cooper and Zhaire Smith.

Isaiah Mobley has played a total of 14 minutes this season – all garbage time. The 6-8 Mobley has good size and a strong pedigree, but many fans speculate that he’s only on the roster to keep his brother happy. We may never get to find out one way or the other.

Again, this is not unique to Bickerstaff. Tight rotations are an NBA paradigm. Coaches are focused on maintaining continuity and chemistry, and that comes with guys being on the court together on a regular basis.

Still, when it seems obvious that starters and regular rotation players are on wobbly legs, it’s tempting for fans like me to wonder why coaches are so stubborn with their rotations.