ESPN’s Marc Stein has unleashed a scathing criticism of LeBron James. Turns out, LeBron hasn’t been so nice to Cavs head coach David Blatt:
And we likewise saw LeBron emasculate 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.
I understand LeBron had no input into Blatt’s hiring and had to roll with him in less-than-ideal circumstances. But it struck me as a rather unflattering look for an all-time great.
No matter how inept he might think the coach is.
How is any fellow Cavalier going to treat Blatt with something resembling reverence when LeBron treats him like a bench ornament in plain view?
How can LeBron publicly laud his own leadership, as he so often does, when setting that sort of tone?
We’ve heard rumors of this stuff throughout the season but nothing quite like this.
It’s one thing to disagree with the decisions of your coach, but you take it to another level when you disrespect him in front of the entire team.
We know Larry Bird famously told KC Jones during a time-out, “Give me the ball and get the hell out of the way.” I’m pretty sure MJ and Kobe Bryant have said similar. But nothing like this.
James had a few run-ins with Heat coach Erik Spoelstra during his first season in Miami. Again, nothing like this.
You know the situation is bad when an ESPN reporter takes James to task.
So what’s next? Does the image conscious LeBron James have Blatt fired? How cool would it be if Blatt resigned, citing LeBron’s unprofessional and boorish behavior.
If Blatt goes, who’s next? Does Tom Thibodeau want some of this? Or would LeBron demand his buddy Ty Lue get the job?
So many questions. This off-season is going to be spectacular.
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