LeBron James is a superstar in the making. However, the "LeBron and Four Guys" label has to go. The majority of sports media, notorious for knocking Cleveland for anything on or off the court, has constantly singled out LeBron James as the lone bright spot on this team. That is fine for people to have their opinions, but it needs to stay their opinions. Stating the obvious, the Cavaliers too often stand around to watch their prodigy try to do amazing things on every possession. This reliance on James has gotten to the point that he rarely sits on the bench. LeBron's idol, Michael Jordan, never played more than 40.4 MPG during the regular season. In fact, all three of Jordan's 40+ MPG seasons occurred before the six championship seasons with the Bulls. On the other hand, James has averaged 41.3 MPG for his career. In four seasons, James only had one season under 40 MPG (39.5 as a rookie). While Jordan played a shade under 42 MPG in the playoffs, James sits at a shade under 45.5 MPG, meaning he sits less than 3 minutes per game (assuming no overtime).
Paul Silas, who saw success as Hornets head coach as a believer in 'the team', rode the "LeBron and Four Guys" train until he was asked to leave town. Never had the Cavs had a coach teach them to believe in winning with one player alone, let alone a rookie/2nd year star. Meanwhile, LeBron off the court celebrates his membership in the "Four Horsemen"--a moniker for his close friends/business associates that implies a sense of equality. James is cool with being an equal group member off the court; it is time that the Cavaliers help him bring this atmosphere onto the court.
Sure, the Cavs have room for improvement. However, the label "the worst team in NBA Finals history" sounds terrible, in addition to misleading. If the 2006-2007 Cavs were the worst team to make the Finals, then what does that make the Pistons and Nets? Apparently, both teams thought they should have been in last year's Finals to provide a better challenge for the Spurs. Instead, they lost to the so-called worst team in NBA Finals history. Only Grant Hill could avenge the Pistons' loss to the Cavs as he continuously ripped the Cavs while covering the Finals.
Regardless, the "LeBron and Four Guys" culture has limited the ability to achieve growth from outside the organization. Supposedly, the opportunity to play alongside LeBron James should lure any and all players to town. Last time someone checked, Michael Redd did not want to play in LeBron's shadow. Even Zydrunas Ilgauskas's best man, Sarunas Jasikevicius, picked the Pacers over his best friend's Cavs two years ago. Obviously, "LeBron and Four Guys" is not an attractive free agent appeal. If the dreaded label turned team mentality remains for a few more years, even LeBron will walk away from playing here.
Paul Silas, who saw success as Hornets head coach as a believer in 'the team', rode the "LeBron and Four Guys" train until he was asked to leave town. Never had the Cavs had a coach teach them to believe in winning with one player alone, let alone a rookie/2nd year star. Meanwhile, LeBron off the court celebrates his membership in the "Four Horsemen"--a moniker for his close friends/business associates that implies a sense of equality. James is cool with being an equal group member off the court; it is time that the Cavaliers help him bring this atmosphere onto the court.
Sure, the Cavs have room for improvement. However, the label "the worst team in NBA Finals history" sounds terrible, in addition to misleading. If the 2006-2007 Cavs were the worst team to make the Finals, then what does that make the Pistons and Nets? Apparently, both teams thought they should have been in last year's Finals to provide a better challenge for the Spurs. Instead, they lost to the so-called worst team in NBA Finals history. Only Grant Hill could avenge the Pistons' loss to the Cavs as he continuously ripped the Cavs while covering the Finals.
Regardless, the "LeBron and Four Guys" culture has limited the ability to achieve growth from outside the organization. Supposedly, the opportunity to play alongside LeBron James should lure any and all players to town. Last time someone checked, Michael Redd did not want to play in LeBron's shadow. Even Zydrunas Ilgauskas's best man, Sarunas Jasikevicius, picked the Pacers over his best friend's Cavs two years ago. Obviously, "LeBron and Four Guys" is not an attractive free agent appeal. If the dreaded label turned team mentality remains for a few more years, even LeBron will walk away from playing here.