NFL Draft News: Mel Kiper Has the Browns Drafting AJ Green
January 20, 2011Browns Coaching Search: Revisiting Billy Davis
January 20, 2011The Cavaliers’ come back attempt fell short last night, as Scott wrote about earlier. Whether or not there were positives to be taken away from that game, one thing stood out in my mind. This group of players has no idea how to win. There was no way they were completing that come back. You knew it. I knew it. And I’m quite sure Byron Scott knew it.
It reminded me of something coach Scott said when he first came to Cleveland. He was talking about the Cavaliers and how they have a culture of winning. That they knew what it took to win games. They’ve been around nothing but winning for years. What a difference a few months makes.
With injuries to Mo Williams and Daniel Gibson this team is being run by Ramon Sessions and Manny Harris. Sure, they are getting the best effort Antawn Jamison can give, but they are also giving significant minutes to Alonzo Gee, Joey Graham and Samardo Samuels. Not exactly the most experienced line-up in the world. Certainly not one that has had success at the NBA level as of yet.
I went back to try and find the quote of Scott talking about the winning tradition and watched his introductory press conference again. Oof.
“This was a home run for me, especially being put in this situation and being with a team that has a chance to win right away.”
Well he was right. The Cavaliers did win right away. Opening night in fact. They beat the Celtics. Little did we realize that would be the signature win of the season. After starting the season 4-3, the Cavs have gone 4-30 since. Now LeBron had not made his decision yet, but even after LeBron left, Byron Scott said several times that this team without LeBron knew how to win.
“[Championships] that still is one of the objectives that I have as a head coach in this league, and I think that this organization and this team gives me that best chance.”
After a brutal season you wonder if Byron still feels the same? Don’t get me wrong, the purpose of this isn’t to ridicule Scott, or try to cast a shadow on what he’s done this season. I don’t think any coach dealt this hand would have coaxed more victories out of this cast.
“They were looking for a coach who is defensive minded. Coming from an old school guy in Pat Riley, I know that defense wins championships. That’ll be our main focus, making sure on the defensive end, making sure that our guys understand that.”
So what’s happened here? Yes, the team is not as talented right now. Yes, the best defensive player is out for the season (Varejao). Some of these guys didn’t even go through camp with the team either. There are a hundred legitimate excuses. It just seems hard to believe how far this team has fallen on the defensive end. Dead last in nearly every category that matters defensively.
I still have confidence that given talent Byron Scott is a good coach. What I’m afraid we’re discovering this year is a serious crack in the lining of the talent pool.
(AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
2 Comments
I miss Mike Brown.
I don’t miss Mike Brown