Cavaliers Head Coach: Harden's Game Reading is LeBron-Level, Capable of Dropping 40 Points or Dishing 20 Assists

On February 28th Beijing time, as the Cavaliers faced the Pistons on the road, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff gave an exclusive interview to ESPN before the game, discussing Harden's injury status and his impact since joining the team. The following is a transcript of the interview —

Q: Harden injured his right thumb in Wednesday's game against the Knicks and did not play against the Bucks on Thursday. What is his status for the upcoming game against the Pistons?

Bickerstaff: We'll have to wait and see. He came to the facility today, went through a workout, and took shots. Harden has always been known for his high availability. Nothing is final yet, but it seems he himself wants to play.

Q: For a coach, integrating an offensive superstar of Harden's caliber mid-season presents a significant adjustment challenge. How have you managed these in-game adjustments?

Bickerstaff: Honestly, it has made my job a whole lot easier. His basketball IQ and passing are elite; in my mind, he's one of the best decision-makers in NBA history. He consistently reads the game correctly, on a LeBron James level—capable of scoring 40 points one night or distributing 20 assists the next. He has meshed well with Mitchell, obviously has great chemistry with Allen, and now Mobley is back too. So I'm not surprised the transition has been this smooth.

Q: Let's talk about Allen. He and Harden seem like a perfect match, but his February surge actually started before the trade. You coached him in Brooklyn too. What has been the key to his offensive leap?

Bickerstaff: It's been a complete transformation. We've both grown a lot together. Harden has certainly helped him, but the shift actually began before Harden arrived. During Mobley's absence, I spoke with Allen about taking on more responsibility. He embraced it fully and has taken off. He's now a leader on both ends of the floor, playing at an All-Star level.

Q: We often discuss MVP on the show. You've consistently advocated for Mitchell as MVP. In your eyes, why is he the MVP?

Bickerstaff: It's simple: he has carried this team on his shoulders. At the very least, he deserves to be in the MVP conversation. Plus, his style is incredibly entertaining—you guys at ESPN love that, right? Sometimes I just watch purely to appreciate how he plays. For me, all that adds up to MVP-caliber performance.

Q: Mitchell hasn't reached the Eastern Conference Finals yet, but your goals surely extend beyond that. Previously, players like Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren have said, "We don't just want to make the playoffs; we want to win a championship." How is this discussed within your team?

Bickerstaff: Our approach is one of humility. We must take the next step first. We've faced difficulties in the playoffs the past three years, and we have to acknowledge that. We have many more steps to climb, but for now, we're staying grounded, focusing on clearing this hurdle, then moving forward step by step. The best way to curb overconfidence is to remain humble.