Links To The Present: May 26, 2010

2010-05-26 Off By Tom Pestak

Mike Brown provided the following statement on Wednesday, May 26th, 2010.

Mike  Brown
Brown

“The past 5 years have been an exceptional experience. I have been very fortunate to lead a group of men who I respect and thoroughly enjoyed coaching on a daily basis. At the same time, I was able to work alongside a terrific coaching staff and with Danny Ferry and a basketball operations team, all of whom I have a profound respect for. We partnered in creating a culture and a standard that I am, and will continue to be, very proud of. None of which would be possible without the dedication and support of Dan Gilbert. I am thankful for the opportunity that he gave to me and my family. We have a deep appreciation for Northeast Ohio, the Cleveland Cavaliers organization, and the people in this community, and have enjoyed making this our home.”  [Cavs.com]

“However, that relationship seemed to erode during the playoffs, when James publicly disagreed with his coach’s motivation methods and in-game decisions. Behind the scenes, sources said James and Brown differed on game plan choices against both the Bulls and Celtics.  No matter what, Brown will be moving away from Cleveland’s west side, where he became a part of the community and formed many friendships. [Brian Windhorst]

“According to sources, the team did not let go Brown’s assistants. That fact is not a formality, especially with the assistants’ strong reputations and relationships with key players, including LeBron James.” [Brian Windhorst on the Cavs Assistant Coaches]

“It couldn’t have been that great. Stats aside, there was no difference in LeBron James’ approach between Games 5 and 6 of this year’s second-round series with Boston. And you can’t have that, this late in the game. There has to be some desperation, be it implied or legitimate. Someone needs to sweat, before the ball even goes up. You never got that from Brown. And, by extension, you never got that from James and company.” [Kelly Dwyer on Mike Brown]

Gotta Love Ozzie Guillen I guess when you only hit 28 dongs in seven THOUSAND at bats you might have an inferiority complex against superstars

“This apparently was not enough for the Hoopster in Chief. The President has now given an interview to TNT — to run in full on Tuesday — and in it he explained that while he doesn’t want to meddle*, well, the Chicago Bulls have an awfully good young core of players, don’t they?  Isn’t it amazing how hard the President is working to not meddle in the affairs of an NBA basketball player?” [Joe Posnanski – SI]

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