Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James has conceded that coach David Blatt is receiving so much criticism this season because of the fact he is coaching him.
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James and Blatt had their issues through the regular season, with the two-time NBA champion criticised for being seen taking over timeout team-talks with Blatt watching on.
In addition, it had been reported that the 30-year-old was the one calling out plays on the court with Blatt merely relaying them on to the team, although the first-year NBA coach was seemingly happy with the system.
Nevertheless, it has continuously undermined his authority and led to questions as to who is really in charge of the Cavs, with speculation suggesting that he may not last beyond this summer.
James is sympathetic to his situation as he believes that it is his fault that his coaches receive so much attention and criticism, which is true given that he scratched Blatt’s play call to make his own ahead of hitting the game winner in Game 4 against the Chicago Bulls on Sunday.
“He’s catching heat because he’s coaching me, that’s all that is,” James told reporters.
The former Miami Heat star insisted that his situation was no different than a quarterback calling an audible in the NFL, while referring to Blatt as the Cavs’ “general” and he is merely trying to be an extension of him on the court.
Blatt deserves criticism at times but he should also be praised for the way that he has handled the situation throughout the year. While many may not want to believe it, James is certainly playing a game here as he looks to protect his own image after calling out his own coach on numerous occasions in the past.
The system clearly worked in their favour last time out as James went from in-bounding the ball to hitting the buzzer-beater to seal the win, but it remains to be seen if it continues to be so successful or it blows up on Cleveland.
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