Lebron James did about everything he could Sunday except execute in the final 30 seconds. With his game high 45 points, he's hardly to blame for the Cavaliers falling a few points short on the road in Boston.
In a series Cleveland had no business taking to seven games, there's not a need to make drastic changes in the organizations leadership but there should be if Lebron is in their future past 2010.
I've said this before, but it bears repeating. Mike Brown needs to be removed from his head coaching duties. He's not an NBA coach, or at the very least, not one that should be in charge of managing the most physically gifted player in the game. The fact the Cavs have made the NBA Finals is a credit to James, and James alone.
Shockingly, Brown signed a two-year contract extension last summer following a series against the Spurs where he appeared absolutely clueless in trying to get Lebron shots and defend San Antonio. Brown gets the easy pass as James' number continued to improve this year, leading the NBA in scoring and adding 7+ rebounds and assists.
Far too often the Cavaliers sprint up court, but then pause and stand around for 10-15 seconds and stare at each other. There's nothing gained from this strategy. Of all the playoff teams, I'd put good money on Cleveland having the most shot-clock violations and/or misses with the clock expiring. No need for Phoenix's seven seconds or less, even though LBJ would dominate, but a happy median can be found. When teams stand around they get cold and shoot, well, like Cleveland does often.
James will be one of the game's very best all-time with or without a bad coach. He'll be one of the very best with several championship rings with a new coach, or perhaps new location.
It also wouldn't hurt for Danny Ferry to take a serious look in the mirror this summer. He's got a year or two to find his franchise one solid complimentary player. That sidekick isn't Delonte West, Daniel Gibson or Wally Szczerbiak. He's not on the roster right now.
Finding that 'Pippen' is going to be a major challenge, one that might not even limit the Cavs from another NBA Finals visit. However, keeping Mike Brown around will limit the organizations success.
I think you're being a bit too harsh on Mike Brown. Most of the time the Cavs offense stalled was when LBJ had the ball, standing there faking waiting for his team mates to clear out. I'm sure that's not how the play was designed or called. Does King James ever just take a jump shot in rhythm? I swear he doesn't.
While its true there is no Pippen on the Cavs roster, LBJ needs to get better at making his Wally's & Delonte's better if he ever wants to be on the same level as Jordan.
Mike Brown's defensive scheme is the only reason they made the finals last years and play this unbelievably good in this series. Maybe they need a better offensive assistant coach, but his defensive game plans are awesome.
Defensive plans are good. I'll give you that but Brown has NO BUSINESS coaching LBJ. LBJ is the ONLY reason Brown is still coaching. Them standing around and tell everyone to spread the floor for LBJ to drive and dish or drive and make a play IS BROWNS game plan. That crap wouldn't happen if Poppovich or Riley was coaching. It is VERY PAINFUL as a Cavs fan to watch this garbage game plan. Nobody cuts or moves to create space leaving James to do it all himself. Andy is the only person who will hustle to create picks and space for LBJ to work. Wally SUCKS ASS! dude has no business playing if he cant hit an open jumper. The ONLY REASON he was brought here and hopefully will be gone before next season. I will say Delonte did step up a LITTLE bit but nowhere near enough. He can handle a ball but too indecisive on running the point guard. If Boobie Gibson didn't get hurt, Cavs should of started him and would of won in my opinion cause he is BETTER than Delonte! Great article and I TOTALLY agree with you! 2 years left for LBJ in Cleveland! That's it!
There isn't a player on that Cavs team that is good as Pippen today! Scottie could play better and create more opportunities than these guys who constantly miss open shots. West missing that top of the key three to tie was bad. I have never saw sooo many "professionals" miss so many open shots! ONLY IN CLEVELAND!
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