Mike Brown has received mixed reviews since taking over as Head Coach of the Cavaliers. Overall, people have praised the improved defense while still being disappointed in an underachieving offense. Now, especially after two lost winnable games in Detroit, the following question shall be raised: is Coach Brown too patient?
The starting lineup that finished the season as a #2 seed and swept the Wizards remains intact. However, as was seen last round versus the Nets, the lineup that puts ballhandling pressure on Larry Hughes and Sasha Pavlovic has become increasingly ineffective. In the case of Hughes, the amount of sloppy passes and ill-advised jump shots is alarming for one of the team's veteran leaders. Meanwhile, Pavlovic continues to be plagued by inconsistency on both ends of the court. Yet, his playoff minutes rank fifth on the team, exceeding those of Anderson Varejao.
Thankfully, towards the end of the Nets series, Coach Brown started showing some energy and emotion. Lately, he has actually been yelling after bad plays and even received a rare technical foul when the refs stopped calling fouls in Detroit. Now facing a 2-0 deficit, will Brown finally adjust a starting lineup that is no longer working?
First and foremost, a point guard needs to be inserted into the starting lineup. In a tough call, I would go with Gibson. While Gibson may be foul bait for the veteran Billups, Gibson offers the most all-around play out of the position. Also, he initially lost his starting spot to injury, not Pavlovic's good performance. Gibson deserves another chance.
Furthermore, a deeper rotation needs to be established. While Hughes would make a very good 6th man, $11-12 million a year says otherwise. Thus, Pavlovic, the offensive dynamo that he is, should be moved to the bench and used as instant offense. Varejao definitely continues to get his minutes. Beyond that, the coaches need to think long and hard about each game's active roster.
While Newble's defense could definitely be used to slow down Hamilton or Wallace, both Wesley and Shannon Brown continue to rot the bench in street clothes. Both Wesley and Brown bring offense and defense to the table, much like underutilized Gibson. Jones brings spot-up shooting and trash-talking. On the other hand, Snow brings defense and aggressiveness. Regardless of who gets used here, the Cavs need to take advantage of a roster that is deeper than they realize.
If Dale Davis or Jason Maxiell comes into another game, there should be no hesitation to bring in Scot Pollard. Both Davis and Maxiell are physical inside players that quite frankly are terrible free throw shooters. Pollard brings rough, tough D and six fouls to give; if worse comes to worse, "Hack-a-Ben" is now "Hack a 3rd string big man".
Accompanying the roster changes is calling time outs more promptly. This is the playoffs. The team needs to show an urgency to win. When Detroit goes on a 6-0 run, Brown and the staff should not be afraid to call time. Game 5 against the Nets should be enough evidence to inspire the change in time out philosophy.
Please, Coach Brown, continue to be louder during games. Do not be afraid to make changes quickly if necessary. While as a young coach you need to continue building a rapport with the team, as a Head Coach you need to keep the team focused and under control. Do not just be a Witness; Rise Up!
The starting lineup that finished the season as a #2 seed and swept the Wizards remains intact. However, as was seen last round versus the Nets, the lineup that puts ballhandling pressure on Larry Hughes and Sasha Pavlovic has become increasingly ineffective. In the case of Hughes, the amount of sloppy passes and ill-advised jump shots is alarming for one of the team's veteran leaders. Meanwhile, Pavlovic continues to be plagued by inconsistency on both ends of the court. Yet, his playoff minutes rank fifth on the team, exceeding those of Anderson Varejao.
Thankfully, towards the end of the Nets series, Coach Brown started showing some energy and emotion. Lately, he has actually been yelling after bad plays and even received a rare technical foul when the refs stopped calling fouls in Detroit. Now facing a 2-0 deficit, will Brown finally adjust a starting lineup that is no longer working?
First and foremost, a point guard needs to be inserted into the starting lineup. In a tough call, I would go with Gibson. While Gibson may be foul bait for the veteran Billups, Gibson offers the most all-around play out of the position. Also, he initially lost his starting spot to injury, not Pavlovic's good performance. Gibson deserves another chance.
Furthermore, a deeper rotation needs to be established. While Hughes would make a very good 6th man, $11-12 million a year says otherwise. Thus, Pavlovic, the offensive dynamo that he is, should be moved to the bench and used as instant offense. Varejao definitely continues to get his minutes. Beyond that, the coaches need to think long and hard about each game's active roster.
While Newble's defense could definitely be used to slow down Hamilton or Wallace, both Wesley and Shannon Brown continue to rot the bench in street clothes. Both Wesley and Brown bring offense and defense to the table, much like underutilized Gibson. Jones brings spot-up shooting and trash-talking. On the other hand, Snow brings defense and aggressiveness. Regardless of who gets used here, the Cavs need to take advantage of a roster that is deeper than they realize.
If Dale Davis or Jason Maxiell comes into another game, there should be no hesitation to bring in Scot Pollard. Both Davis and Maxiell are physical inside players that quite frankly are terrible free throw shooters. Pollard brings rough, tough D and six fouls to give; if worse comes to worse, "Hack-a-Ben" is now "Hack a 3rd string big man".
Accompanying the roster changes is calling time outs more promptly. This is the playoffs. The team needs to show an urgency to win. When Detroit goes on a 6-0 run, Brown and the staff should not be afraid to call time. Game 5 against the Nets should be enough evidence to inspire the change in time out philosophy.
Please, Coach Brown, continue to be louder during games. Do not be afraid to make changes quickly if necessary. While as a young coach you need to continue building a rapport with the team, as a Head Coach you need to keep the team focused and under control. Do not just be a Witness; Rise Up!