The soap opera continues in Cleveland. On this week’s episode David Blatt comes under criticism for his lack of ability to reach the team, according to ESPN. Could it possibly be the fact that David Blatt is brand new to coaching in the NBA, and only coached the Cavaliers for 30 games? Is it time for Cleveland to dump this guy and move on to a new coach?
After an 8-game win streak, the Cavaliers are just 5-5 in their past 10 games to bring them to an 18-12 record. With their most recent 23-point loss to one of the NBA’s worst teams, the Detroit Pistons, people are starting to speculate about the Cavs’ ability to win basketball games.
The Cavs’ effort on the floor has come under fire. Players look like they aren’t giving their 100% commitment when on the court and look disengaged when in team huddles during timeouts. Is that really the coach’s fault?
In an interview with ESPN, analyst George Karl says no. Karl says, “Personally it’s going to land on the coach, but playing hard has gotta be self motivation.”
Cavs owner Dan Gilbert has shown that he’s not afraid to fire head coaches prematurely. Looking back to this past May, Gilbert sent coach Mike Brown walking with three years left on his deal.
Everyone just needs to take a deep breath and relax.
Remember Miami? When LeBron James and Chris Bosh arrived it wasn’t all speed boats and spray tans. Whenever a new team is assembled there are going to be growing pains.
LeBron said it himself in his Sport’s Illustrated article with Lee Jenkins this past summer when he signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“I’m not promising a championship. I know how hard that is to deliver. We’re not ready right now. No way. Of course, I want to win next year, but I’m realistic. It will be a long process, much longer than it was in 2010. My patience will get tested. I know that.”
The Cavaliers need to continue to stick with the unit they have now. Firing coach David Blatt so early in the season would be a terrible mistake. Keep the combination of David Blatt and LeBron James together and let them work out the situation. The NBA has an 82-game season for a reason. Just because the Cavs went 5-5 in their last 10 games doesn’t mean they can’t go 8-2 in their next 10.
David Blatt has nothing to worry about as long as he makes the playoffs. Being a coach in any professional sport, especially the NBA is not a glamorous job. The coach is the scapegoat when the team loses, and when the team wins, all of the praise goes to the players.
