The NBA was always alluring to John Beilein. No matter how many wins he compiled at Michigan and West Virginia and all stops prior, Beilein was fascinated by basketball’s highest level. Friends and associates tried warning him that he may not fit, that his collegiate style may not translate to the professionals, but Beilein was undeterred. He wanted to test himself and prove he could coach in the NBA.



Now just 54 games into his tenure, Beilein has his answer. He and the Cavaliers are parting ways and he is walking away from the franchise nine months after taking the job. The entire experience has been such a disaster that league sources told The Athletic that Beilein is walking away from the more than $12 million guaranteed on his four-year contract just to get out. J.B. Bickerstaff gets the task of replacing him and trying to put this back together for the final 28 games — and beyond.



The relationship with Beilein, meanwhile, deteriorated faster than...