Dec 26, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach David Blatt congratulates forward LeBron James (23) at the end of the game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Orlando Magic 98-89. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
When asked would he give his endorsement of Cleveland Cavalier head coach David Blatt LeBron James responded, “Well, listen man, I don’t pay no bills around here. I’m happy with who we have at our helm. He’s our coach. But for it to make a feud between me and Blatt or the team and Blatt is just to sell. It is just to sell and get people to read it and put something at the bottom of the ticker. That’s all it is. Funny, you could write those same things when we win, too. They just write them when we lose because it looks better”.
A tepid response that may sound an alarm for Cleveland fans who hoped for a championship in LeBron’s first year back.
The Cavaliers recent home loss to the Detroit Pistons exposed obvious flaws in effort and chemistry that fed into inquiries regarding whether or not coach David Blatt has lost his team.
The Cavaliers have all but abandoned Coach Blatt’s motion offense and LeBron may or may not have made the switch to point guard with his coaches blessing.
Size down low on defense was always a concern, even at the beginning of the season, but now the Cavaliers are failing to guard in the half court, sprint back on defense or help the helper on defense. To start the season LeBron said that the process would take time and that the team needed to be patient, he could not have been more correct.
With a record of 18-12, 5th place in the eastern conference and a lot of season left there is no immediate reason to sound the alarm but…
High expectations were set for this team with a roster tailored for success. However the Cavaliers are still developing chemistry on offense and a plan for defense. Most observers agree that the Cavaliers are a small team up front. A fact that shows up clearly on defense.
When he played for Miami, LeBron also had a small team up front but that weakness was masked with a guard core that could best be described as bulldogs. The Heat guards were relentless in digging down on defense and helping their “bigs” with a series of strips, blocks, holds and anything short of all out mayhem.
This Cavalier team has players not necessarily known for their defense with guys like Kyrie Irving, Dion Waiters and Kevin Love. The need to utilize the current roster to it’s full defensive potential will be a challenge; one in which coach Blatt will have to solve.
LeBron’s greatest Challenge
While in Miami LeBron benefited from a championship level infrastructure in team president Pat Riley and his staff. The Heat surrounded James, Wade and Bosh with an ample supply of outside shooting and defensive intensity.
Can the Cavaliers make the necessary moves to put the best team on the floor. During his first stint with the Cavaliers some felt that with the keys to the franchise LeBron wielded great influence in terms of having a say in personnel matters. Could that be the case again?
Did LeBron as some have suggested trade Andrew Wiggins for Kevin Love? If so, LeBron may also have to share blame with coach Blatt for the teams slow start. Does Cleveland have the staff in place to engender LeBron’s respect and loyalty? The possibility may exist that ego management could be LeBron’s biggest challenge.
Is Love the right fit?
Power forward Kevin Love is currently among the top players at his position. Kevin is a rebounder 10.2 rpg, three point shooter 33.8% and post up player (17.1ppg, 43.4%fgp) of considerable skill. He is capable of producing double doubles (points and rebounds) on a nightly basis. (career-19.0ppg, 12.0rpg and 45% fgp) source: NBA.com. What Kevin has problems with is defending. At 6’ 10″ Kevin is not a shot blocker and does not possess the base, i.e. leg strength to hold off big rivals who would back him down in the post. He is able to rotate and help his teammates but without shot blocking his efforts are mitigated.
A free agent after this season, will Kevin Love re-up with the Cavaliers or return to his beloved west coast (Lakers or Golden State)?
The Cavaviers traded #1 draft pick and lock down one on one defender Andrew Wiggins to obtain Love and to lose him in free agency would be disastrous.
To save the future, the Cavaliers may have to make a crucial move for inside help that will complement the players they already have (A big with rebounding and shot blocking ability would be a start). Can Coach Blatt grab the reins and guide this team? That remains to be seen. Will the Cavaliers success be immediate or down the road? Only time will tell.
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