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Cleveland Cavaliers: Of Course LeBron James Is Calling Plays

By Robby Sabo

Mar 25, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Cleveland defeated Memphis 111-89. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Cleveland defeated Memphis 111-89. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Recent reports have surfaced that LeBron James is calling plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Please don’t tell me you’re actually surprised by this.

We are now very close to the NBA Playoffs. In fact, what separates some teams from the postseason is only a handful of games.

This time of year brings many headaches for commissioner Adam Silver.

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How anybody could think teams sitting entire starting lineups for games is anything but extremely alarming is beyond me. Gregg Popovich started the trend and it has sprinkled down throughout the association.

Most teams could care less about seeding and they’re making a mockery of the end of the regular season.

What this time also presents us are many stories that are driven by this general lack of excitement.

This is exactly what we have in the case of LeBron James calling the offensive plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently stated on B.S. Report Podcast that has been James calling offensive sets for the Cavs, not David Blatt.

"The Princeton offense that David Blatt installed in the preseason, they just threw that out. What typically happens, and this has been happening for like three months now, is LeBron will take the ball and LeBron will call the play. David Blatt will see what play LeBron calls, and he will repeat it to the team. That happens on a regular basis."

In a very polite way I say this: if you’re surprised by this news then you need to watch a little more NBA basketball.

Since the beginning of NBA superstardom, the immortal player has always ran the operation. Rather than the coach coming in with cart blanche, he needs to cater to the situation in order to guarantee himself a longer shelf life than just two months.

Remember the Phil Jackson-Michael Jordan relationship?

Jackson did not run that team. He decided his best business maneuver was to strategically “partner” with MJ and co-rule the Chicago Bulls. Oftentimes Jordan would make the call right there on the court if he wanted a guy off the floor. He’d give Phil one look and Jackson would yank the guy immediately.

There’s no taking away Jackson’s importance with that dynasty, for he was an incredible motivator and master manipulator. However, when a name like Jordan is involved, there’s no chance Phil could have free rein.

The same obviously goes for LeBron James and whoever is coach is at the present time.

Remember, this is a guy who made the decision to come back to Cleveland without ever really having a true conversation with owner Dan Gilbert. After all the talk, all the madness, all the hard-feelings, James knew his place in this world is so massive that he could make any decision he wanted without having to consult anyone.

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    • Wherever he went he would rule — the rest would take care of itself and his surroundings would adapt to him. Interesting to think about considering how flexible and adaptable LeBron is on the court (ultimately leading to the best team player in the sport).

    Nevertheless, head coach David Blatt is just along for the ride.

    Why try to sugar coat things, or pretend this is something that it isn’t?

    It’s probable to think if James ever was afforded his “Phil Jackson,” he would also win six-championships. In reality though he hasn’t been dealt the luxury of fantastic head coaches up to this point in his career.

    The evidence is overwhelming. James has yelled at Blatt; gently shoved the man; has seemingly ignored him; and even bumped into Erik Spoelstra while in Miami.

    It’s just the way this league works.

    How could anybody think Blatt is in charge of the offense when James is possesses the top basketball IQ in the world and devastates the man in organizational value.

    Blatt’s role is of the little brother trying to not mess up — and that’s perfectly OK. There’s nothing else he can do in this situation.

    Next: Are We Destined For A Cavs-Heat First Round?

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