Although there is a perception that LeBron James is pulling the strings behind the curtain regarding the Cleveland Cavaliers’ front office moves, he reportedly was not consulted regarding the firing of David Blatt.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reports that James was not consulted about the move that saw Blatt replaced by Tyronn Lue.
LeBron James was informed of the decision to fire David Blatt today, he was not consulted on decision sources said
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) January 22, 2016
Despite positive comments publicly, there had been unrest growing in Cavs locker room. Frankly, it had been there since almost day one.
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) January 22, 2016
Team owner Dan Gilbert is said to have been Blatt’s biggest supporter, and it looks like he finally approved a firing.
Despite up and downs, Blatt has had one ardent supporter in Cavs organization and that was owner Dan Gilbert.
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) January 22, 2016
Even if James was not directly consulted about the move, it sounds like his opinion and feelings still carried a lot of weight — no surprise.
James' fondness for Ty Lue and his desire to be coached by a former player were well known in the organization. As were issues with Blatt
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) January 22, 2016
Blatt seemed to be a bad fit on the Cavs from the start, and it was apparent James did not have enough respect for the coach. Remember this video from last year? That was a major concern. And then there were multiple reports about James undermining the coach by not following his play calls or by doing his own thing on the court.
Now that the Cavaliers have a coach in there James supposedly wants, we’ll see how much that changes and impacts the team. Though the Cavs are leading the Eastern Conference, there is little doubt that they can be playing at a higher level.
