After the firing of former coach David Blatt, LeBron James commented on the situation at the team’s shootaround this morning.
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Golden State’s second-year coach came back to the Warriors’ bench Friday after a leave of absence dating to the first week of training camp in October as he recovered from complications after two back surgeries.
“LeBron doesn’t run this organization”. What’s more, I actually agree with the reasoning.
The Pistons coach said he texted with Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra and Charlotte Hornets coach Steve Clifford. And he wants from me, from any coach, a vehicle to help him win.
The general manager said Lue was taking over as head coach without an interim tag.
James said Saturday he was not involved with the decision despite the perception of his impact on coaching decisions.
“We’re just a team that we’re a bit fragile at times”, James said following Saturday’s shootaround, “and we’re still learning each other”. I’ve stopped that a long time ago in my career…
Blatt’s last game ended up being against the Clippers – a Cavaliers’ win. Well, we see a fast break and LeBron didn’t get back on defense or there’s a rotation and he’s supposed to be there, and you just keep rolling the film and the whole room is quiet.’ We see that as players.
“On behalf of the organization, I would like to thank David Blatt for his efforts and commitment to this franchise”, said Griffin.
Meanwhile, Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg has revealed the Taj Gibson is nursing a left eye injury, but he is available and will play, wearing a protective goggles, against the Cavaliers tonight.
“I don’t know if anyone’s ready for that”, Rivers said. It was a classic block from behind for arguably the NBA’s best player.
At the same time, I completely get why Blatt was sacked. The Cavs are third in the league in points allowed this season at 95.7, and while their pace was one of the slowest in the league at 92.9, they are now the fourth best team in the National Basketball Association in Offensive Rating at 108.1, and their Defensive Rating is fourth in the league at 102.1. He did a tremendous job, just from a strategic standpoint. One of the most successful coaches in European history, Blatt was feeling good about the way his team was performing amid overwhelming expectations. However, there was a discord he couldn’t seem to fix. “(LeBron James) came out early, (Kyrie Irving) wanted to come out early, Kevin (Love) wanted to come out early, I just don’t think we’re in good enough shape right now to play the style we want to play”. The pair shared a smile, an innocent exchange without any hint of forthcoming change.
Blatt took the blame, saying he had failed to prepare his team.
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A day later, they’re on separate paths.
