Adios Blatt, hello Head Coach Lue

Right management, wrong timing for Cavs

Were you just as shocked as I was when the general manager of the Cleveland Cavaliers, David Griffin, announced he had ended David Blatt’s career as head coach and given the position to assistant coach, Tyronn Lue?

I was extremely surprised with this drastic decision. It was as if Griffin was being completely blind to all the Cavs have overcome with Blatt.

With our fantastic and memorable experience with Blatt, including last years National Basketball Association Finals and an Eastern Conference leading 30-11 record before his departure this season, I’d say he was doing a good job.

Was this the repercussions of the tragic loss against the Golden State Warriors on MLK Day this year, or just another case of our supposed, ‘Cleveland curse?’

Not necessarily.

According to Griffin during a press conference Jan. 22, he made the decision to fire Blatt because of "the team’s lack of prosperity and connection as a unit."

Griffin believes Lue’s positive attitude and relationship with the players is what the team needs to get back to where they should be.

Thinking about this season compared to last year, I believe Griffin made the right decision.

It's obvious the Cavs were going through some struggles throughout the season with not only their lack of spirit and connectivity but also the lack of shots needing to be made.

Yes, we are winning many games and have talented players, but we are certainly not playing like the Cleveland Cavaliers from the playoffs last year.

Let’s remember the drive each player acquired and how far they got in the playoffs, even with star-players injured.

If someone like Lue — who has hands-on experience in the game — can contribute what he knows and build the team to where they need to be, then so be it.

Do I agree with Griffin when he decided to make such a change? No. I believe the timing was absolutely terrible.

I understand the team desperately needed change, but I think the decision should have waited until the end of the season. Would that possibly make things worse? Maybe. But if Blatt had forewarning, perhaps he could have worked harder to turn things around to save his his career.

I know we just want our championship for Cleveland more than anything and we’ll do whatever it takes, but is Lue really the answer? Can he get us there and handle the pressures that a head coach must handle?

There is a lot of room for improvement and I know the Cavs can do it. I only hope that with Lue’s connection to the team, he can take us to the promise land.