Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Missed The NBA Playoffs
The Cleveland Cavaliers will finish out their 2013-14 season tonight at The Q against the Eastern Conference’s fifth seed Brooklyn Nets and will unfortunately miss the postseason for various reasons. This season, the Eastern Conference has given every one of their teams the opportunity to get into the playoffs. Teams with losing records had a seed in the East, so there was really no excuse for you not snagging at least an eighth seed.
The Cavaliers (32-49) have had ample opportunities to wiggle their way into the postseason by getting the seventh or eighth seed. This season, the Eastern Conference was a conference of many chances. All season long, they seemed to be very inconsistent on both sides of the ball. The team had no kind of effectual leadership from coach Mike Brown. The players did not respect the coach who is in his second tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The methods in practice were tactless and atrocious with players disrespecting one another as well as Mike Brown.
It is evident that none of them are buying into Mike Brown’s operation nor do they respect him. He does not know what he is doing and neither did Chris Grant or Dan Gilbert when they chose to sign him to a 5 year $20 million dollar contract. If they chose to terminate him, they would owe him at least $13 million dollars on top of hiring another head coach. I do not believe that Dan Gilbert will fire Mike Brown, if he does, it would be a miracle. I never understood in the first place why they would rehire a man they fired. As the saying goes, “exes are exes for a reason.” They would have been better off if they hired Brian Shaw or even Jeff Hornacek.
There were also rumors of Dion Waiters and Kyrie Irving not getting along on and off the court because of egos and immaturity. There is no doubt that Kyrie Irving is supposed to take the role of a leader on the court. He needs to mature and not get into petty arguments on Twitter with other Cleveland sports team players. Irving is a resourceful and resilient player, but he needs a positive role model that will shape him into one of the best NBA players in the game. He has won the 2014 NBA All Star MVP Award and is bound for greatness. So far, he has had two coaches unsuccessfully attempt to do that, Byron Scott and Mike Brown.
The Cleveland Cavaliers need work. Mentally and physically. It shows on and off the court.
Apr 5, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Mike Brown talks to guard Kyrie Irving (2) in the first quarter against the Charlotte Bobcats at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
One thing that the Cleveland Cavaliers organization is consistent in is the rebuilding stage. The rebuilding stage has been unsuccessful for the past few seasons. The Cavaliers have not made the postseason since LeBron James took his talents down to South Beach. A lot of Cleveland fans may not want to admit that, but its the truth. After his departure, Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert made the bold proclamations for the future of the team and so far has been unsuccessful in his fortune telling.The Cavaliers have been in the rebuilding stage since King James’ departure, and even after having two #1 draft picks in three years. (Kyrie Irving and the atrocious Anthony Bennett)
What is keeping this team with so many talented players in the bottom of the Eastern Conference and the league? Plenty of vision with no common sense. Thats all it is. Lets hope that they can do some good this season and get rid of toxic players and fill the roster with proven leaders who will not only make a positive impact on the court, but off the court too.
If the Cavaliers want a shot at any success, they have to learn to be consistent! This starts from the owner to the general manager on down to the bench.