Several sources tell Sam Amico of Pro Basketball News that Cleveland’s front office is divided over the status of Mike Brown. Brown was named Coach of the Year after leading the Cavaliers to a franchise-record 66 wins, but the team failed to live up to expectations in the playoffs. Amico reports:
Some key members of the organization feel Brown was badly out-coached by Orlando’s Stan Van Gundy, according to sources. One source said Cavs management wasn’t only disappointed in the losses, “but equally disappointed in the (two) wins” in a series that went six games.
One of the Cavs’ victories came on a remarkable last-second 3-pointer by James at the buzzer, another when the offense consisted of James getting the ball at the top of the key and pretty much going one-on-one against the entire Magic defense. In all three home games, the Cavs surrendered leads of at least 16 points, including advantages of more than 20 points on two occasions.
None of the sources would go on record, and only one agreed to be quoted.
The latter source referred to Brown’s game plan as “junk,” and used that word several times to describe the offensive philosophy in Game 5 of the East finals — a 112-102 Cavs victory.
Another source who refused to be quoted implied Brown doesn’t know how or simply is not willing to open up his offense despite having weapons like James and Mo Williams, and to a lesser degree, Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Delonte West.
UPDATE: Brian Windhorst: “Take it from me, any story you see or hear about Mike Brown’s job being in jeopardy is 100% false…”
