Bruce BostwickThoughts on the Cleveland Cavaliers
December 2nd 2009 15:15
As they prepare for the Suns, there seems to be a bit of a controversy. It is all about whether or not Z should have played in the game against the Mavericks. It isn't even about the win, it's about Z breaking the record and Mike Brown made the decision not to play him. Granted, it was shocking but something like this should have been handled before the game. Had that been the case, it would have been a non-issue. What I'd like to know is why wasn't it addressed during practice and get everything in order?
For anyone to call for Mike Brown to be fired, I have to say why? It would be one thing if the team had not been that good at all. This is his 5th season, and each year so far has seen the team go to the playoffs. It's not because or in spite of him, there is such a thing as respect between players and coaches. I believe that has played a role. If you fired him, who is going to come in and be this "real" coach that some people are crying about? Before anyone says Pat Riley, I don't see him coming back to coaching period. Mike Brown isn't perfect but the job that has been done with the Cavs has been pretty good, all that is left is getting an NBA Title. I wouldn't fire him but I will say this, be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.
There are bigger problems on the Cavs than worrying about records being broken. I think Z is someone that is important to the team no question about it, but winning should be the goal. It is of no concern about the record being broken because it will be. Provided LeBron stays of course, he'll probably get that record but those are bonuses. Anytime you can set a record is a bonus. The goal is to win an NBA Title.
Going back to the problems, the free throw shooting needs to be addressed consistently. It is unacceptable to have it near the bottom of the league. In order for them to win a title, they have to do a much better job at hitting those shots because every point is going to matter whether it's a regular season or a post-season game, it is the symbol of how quickly a game can change.
I would like to see the defense get a lot more stops throughout the game. When it comes to letting others make shots, it's going to happen but it has to be taken care of and just made into a smaller issue than it needs to be. They have to do what it takes to keep teams from getting 100. I realize they have done better a little bit but still. This is not the way to win and you cannot win an NBA Title by going to a style called trying to simply outscore the opposition. You need defense to win it and when you're not playing it, then that really can be a problem. In the Orlando series last year, it showed that they got sloppy big time. The worst part was playing "LeBron ball" but that's something I'll address another time.
LeBron James has the right to his opinion but I still say it should have been handled than it was. I'm sure it will be addressed and taken care of about Z. Z is a pro and they are grown adults. I'm confident everything will be addressed without a problem. In fact, I think it will go smooth.
I'd like for them to stop being a jump shooting team only. Free throws are important because then, it can make or break a team's chances of victory. Drive to the basket more whether it's LeBron, Shaq, or anything in general. Get to the basket and do what is necessary to draw fouls.
In regards to trade making, if the right deal is in place and it makes sense, then by all means do it. There is no direct answer as to what would be the right deal because it just doesn't happen yet. If the team can be improved even further, then do it.
As for the Suns, they have to slow them down and give them a huge knockout punch on defense. I do not believe they are very good at defense. If they try to play run and gun, it may not be as successful. They must keep winning to prove that they can beat anyone and not make stupid mental mistakes. I realize this is not the same team as last year but there will no excuses.
For anyone to call for Mike Brown to be fired, I have to say why? It would be one thing if the team had not been that good at all. This is his 5th season, and each year so far has seen the team go to the playoffs. It's not because or in spite of him, there is such a thing as respect between players and coaches. I believe that has played a role. If you fired him, who is going to come in and be this "real" coach that some people are crying about? Before anyone says Pat Riley, I don't see him coming back to coaching period. Mike Brown isn't perfect but the job that has been done with the Cavs has been pretty good, all that is left is getting an NBA Title. I wouldn't fire him but I will say this, be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.
There are bigger problems on the Cavs than worrying about records being broken. I think Z is someone that is important to the team no question about it, but winning should be the goal. It is of no concern about the record being broken because it will be. Provided LeBron stays of course, he'll probably get that record but those are bonuses. Anytime you can set a record is a bonus. The goal is to win an NBA Title.
Going back to the problems, the free throw shooting needs to be addressed consistently. It is unacceptable to have it near the bottom of the league. In order for them to win a title, they have to do a much better job at hitting those shots because every point is going to matter whether it's a regular season or a post-season game, it is the symbol of how quickly a game can change.
I would like to see the defense get a lot more stops throughout the game. When it comes to letting others make shots, it's going to happen but it has to be taken care of and just made into a smaller issue than it needs to be. They have to do what it takes to keep teams from getting 100. I realize they have done better a little bit but still. This is not the way to win and you cannot win an NBA Title by going to a style called trying to simply outscore the opposition. You need defense to win it and when you're not playing it, then that really can be a problem. In the Orlando series last year, it showed that they got sloppy big time. The worst part was playing "LeBron ball" but that's something I'll address another time.
LeBron James has the right to his opinion but I still say it should have been handled than it was. I'm sure it will be addressed and taken care of about Z. Z is a pro and they are grown adults. I'm confident everything will be addressed without a problem. In fact, I think it will go smooth.
I'd like for them to stop being a jump shooting team only. Free throws are important because then, it can make or break a team's chances of victory. Drive to the basket more whether it's LeBron, Shaq, or anything in general. Get to the basket and do what is necessary to draw fouls.
In regards to trade making, if the right deal is in place and it makes sense, then by all means do it. There is no direct answer as to what would be the right deal because it just doesn't happen yet. If the team can be improved even further, then do it.
As for the Suns, they have to slow them down and give them a huge knockout punch on defense. I do not believe they are very good at defense. If they try to play run and gun, it may not be as successful. They must keep winning to prove that they can beat anyone and not make stupid mental mistakes. I realize this is not the same team as last year but there will no excuses.
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