Lebron and coach David Blatt reportedly didn’t see eye-to-eye throughout the NBA finals.
A pretty damning report about Lebron and Blatt’s relationship in the post season ran on ESPN by Marc Stein and it casts a light on the perceived unfair treatment Lebron gave the rookie NBA coach.
From what Stein reports, Lebron essentially went out of his way take over as coach undermining Blatt’s play calls and even going so far as to making substitution calls.
And we likewise saw LeBron emasculate David Blatt in ways that are simply unbecoming of a player of James’ legend-in-the-making stature. I saw it from close range in my role as sideline reporter through the Finals for ESPN Radio. LeBron essentially calling timeouts and making substitutions. LeBron openly barking at Blatt after decisions he didn’t like. LeBron huddling frequently with Lue and so often looking at anyone other than Blatt.
There was LeBron, in one instance I witnessed from right behind the bench, shaking his head vociferously in protest after one play Blatt drew up in the third quarter of Game 5, amounting to the loudest nonverbal scolding you could imagine.
Which forced Blatt, in front of his whole team, to wipe the board clean and draw up something else.
This is what Stein says he witnessed firsthand and totally contrasts the leadership model Lebron prides himself on establishing. And really, this is something many have made light of since Blatt took over as coach, whispers about Lebron being the ‘real’ coach have run rampant.
But it’s plain unfair for Lebron to go out of his way to step on Blatt’s toes and now begs the question, does Lebron want to coach?
If Blatt is brought back for a second year, I think the two need to work on establishing a player and coach relation, or else the Cavs may have to consider making Lebron a player/coach.