There was a report indicating Mike Brown’s tenure in Cleveland might be coming to an end. The implication essentially was Brown isn’t creative enough offensively to keep LeBron happy and that a coaching change might help LeBron’s decision to stay or go after next season. It went on to say that Cleveland owner Dan Gilbert supported such a change. I’m guessing rumblings like this had a lot to do with said rumors.

And according to Cavaliers insider, Brian Windhorst, that’s exactly what these rumblings are: rumors. Bad ones, at that.

I guess I’m playing Devil’s Advocate here, but I’m not sure what else the “he can’t coach offense” folks wanted him to do. One of the complaints had to do with the 1-4 sets the Cavaliers ran in fourth quarter against Orlando. Apparently, folks wanted this scrapped in favor of some elaborate screen-and-move offense — regardless of the fact it these sets essentially guaranteed basket or foul for LeBron in Game 5. The problem is, LeBron’s second best offensive player is Mo Williams, and his struggles against Orlando have already been well documented.

Another problem is the Cavaliers couldn’t stop the Magic from getting any shot they wanted. Bill Simmons suggests using the same kind of defense the Lakers are employing on Howard. The problem with that is, the Cavaliers don’t have length of Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, and Lamar Odom — nor that level of talent — on Mike Brown’s bench. Further, it’s not like Mike Brown didn’t try to use different strategies. They tried following Howard and he made his free throws. They tried going one-on-one while covering Orlando’s shooters. That didn’t work either.

I suppose surrounding him with Ben Wallace and Anderson Varejao on every possession might work, but then again, that tandem is going to have to play offense as well. No thanks.

As it stands, instead of piling the blame on Brown, how about trying to acquire some pieces that actually fit with your franchise-saving super stud? Try making a legitimate trade offer for Chris Bosh, or maybe go after soon-to-be free agent Trevor Ariza. Before I throw Brown under the bus — seeing how he did, you know, actually get his team to the conference finals, perhaps you could construct a team that better fits its centerpiece’s talent and ability.

Tags: Cleveland Cavaliers, Coaching Changes, Lebron James, Mike Brown, Orlando Magic

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