It may sound odd after the Cleveland Cavs went from also-ran to within two games of an NBA championship in the span of the year, but all doesn't feel right at The Q.
Filing a report with ESPN.com, Marc Stein gave his take on what he feels to be a less-than-healthy relationship between first-year head coach David Blatt and LeBron James, detailing multiple instances where James treated Blatt with blatant disregard.
In the end, the Cavs are and will always be James' team. So, if somehow things come to an ugly head this summer in his relationship with Blatt, we're here to provide a window into what the next step could be. Here's 4 Potential Cavs Coaches If David Blatt Is Shockingly Fired.
4. John Calipari
Coach Cal's two-plus season stint with the then-New Jersey Nets (1996-98) was so yesterday. He's due for a second shot at the big time, even though he's said repeatedly that he prefers the cush nature of running Freshman U over at Kentucky. His legend status would provide a huge respect meter boost compared to the sometimes wide-eyed Blatt, and we have a feeling he'd be the best thing to happen to Kyrie Irving since he worked on his handles at the playground.
3. Phil Jackson
Here's the wild card. Let's assume the Knicks remain a dumpster fire of "Dumb & Dumberer" proportions even after the draft and the start of free agency. Do you think Phil Jackson and his fantastically huge ego could resist the opportunity to finish off his great player coaching trifecta, adding LeBron James to Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant?
Plus, he'd get a chance to rub Steve Kerr's face in it after Kerr spurned his mentor and the Knicks for the Warriors job last offseason.
This would be the equivalent of arming a tank (James) with 100 blood-thirsty sharks (Jackson). And it would be AWESOME.
2. Mark Jackson
Jackson did a heck of a job minding his p's and q's while watching the Golden State Warriors team he helped build steamroll its way to an NBA championship. He's the ultimate players' coach and a former NBA star in his own right, both attributes which would play well with James. He has a history of not playing well with upper management, but the opportunity to build the Cavs into true Warriors kryptonite could supersede any problems he has with authority figures.
1. Tyronn Lue
Via Marc Stein:
I saw it from close range in my role as sideline reporter through the Finals for ESPN Radio. James essentially called timeouts and made substitutions. He openly barked at Blatt after decisions he didn't like. He huddled frequently with (Cavs assistant coach Tyronn) Lue, often looking at anyone other than Blatt.
Lue's considered to be the next great, young NBA coach in waiting by several analysts in the know. He's already built a trusting relationship with James and shown the ability to work within the parameters necessary to keep the best player in the world happy.
We're not saying Blatt's gone. But his eventual replacement may already be on the staff regardless.
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