The Cleveland Cavaliers recently held a players-only meeting to state the issues within the team that needed to be corrected or enhanced. According to ESPN, the team held the meeting to discuss matters that could translate to stronger play in general after the firing of their head coach, David Blatt.
From ESPN:
“It was like ripping off a scab,” one team source said. “And it was exactly what needed to happen. I think it was what [Griffin] was hoping for.”
Said another source: “It was very healthy for the team. It probably needed to happen weeks ago.”
To make matters more interesting, the team began to see the bigger picture in which they needed to hold each other accountable for mistakes, instead of walking on egg shells when it came time to approach their fellow teammates for any type of errant play.
“A central issue in the discussion, sources said, was the need for accountability within the team. One of the issues that was keeping the team from enjoying some of the successes of the season was the different set of rules for some players compared to others.
In what could turn out to be a key moment in their tenures together, James, Irving and Love came to an understanding that they needed to police each other on certain matters and use their influence within the team to set a standard for accountability, sources said. That was frequently a missing component over the past season and a half, sometimes creating friction.”
With their grievances all on the table, some players let their star player, LeBron James know it was time for him to be accountable for his own behavior; specifically his attitude in frustration.
“It’s the type of conversation that only comes out when it’s time for that conversation, if you know what I mean,” a source said. The discussion got contentious at times, though sources said that it was expected.
James compared some of the Cleveland situation to his time with the Miami Heat. Other players challenged James on his need to set a stronger example, including with his effort level when he becomes frustrated, sources said.”
Apparently, the talk is what the Cavs needed. Since the hiring of Tyronn Lue, the Cavs have won four straight at the time of this writing. Their sole loss under Lue’s direction was his first game as a coach, a 96-83 loss to the Chicago Bulls January 23.
