LeBron James, CEO

   by  Keith Allison 

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Leadership plays a bigger role for the King

LeBron James has proven in this postseason that he is, without question, the player most capable of LEADING a team to accomplish more than anyone thought possible. His style has defined the Cavs…..in whatever way they’ve needed to be defined to win.

Everyone watching the NBA Playoffs has seen the multitude of ways to win.  The Grizzlies brute forced their way in.  Atlanta’s throwback TEAM concept warm & fuzzed its way into everyone’s heart.  And the Clips slashed and dashed as far as they could.  It’s sort of understood that there’s more than one way to skin a cat.  (no cats were harmed in the writing of this)

• Cleveland’s first round sweep of the Celtics was just a talent mismatch. Boston didn’t have the players to match up so the King and his Court quickly dispatched them.
• Chicago had more talent than Boston, but the Bulls had a crisis at point guard (is he hurt? are his feelings hurt? will he shoot well?) and coach on the way out. Jimmy Butler and Co poached two games but that seemed to just piss LeBron off and they were dispatched after three straight Cavs wins
• Atlanta boasted the best record in the East but were exposed as the frauds they were by a laser-focused Cleveland squad. Mozgov and Thompson swept the Hawks off their shoulders and got ready for plenty of rest before the Finals.

Each series featured teams with different styles and strengths.  After losing Kevin Love in the first series, the Cavs held up against the Bulls bigs with Thompson and Mozgov and attacked their lack of depth on the perimeter with LeBron shooting almost 50% from two point range.  He and Kyrie got their usual numbers, but JR Smith and Shumpert also started contributing on offense in that series.  As they moved on to Atlanta, it was evident that Kyrie wouldn’t be able to play.  Once again, the Cavs adjusted and exploited to knock off an opponent.  Using Mozgov and Thompson to rule the paint, James shot his highest percentage of the playoffs and averaged over 11 rebounds a game.

In Game 1, LeBron dropped 44 and lost in overtime.  Kyrie played well in regulation but when he went down the Cavs weren’t ready to adjust.  Game 2 brought a new approach and a new LeBron.  He passed more, was more active around the rim and finished with a triple double and a win.

When LeBron passes, gets his teammates involved and goes after rebounds the Cavs win.  JR Smith draws on the confidence when James gives him the ball in scoring positions.  Shumpert flies around the court and gets open looks. Delly grinds it out on defense and then gets and open look from the arc late in the game.   Each pass is like a vote of support.  So when LeBron’s supporting cast laces them up this series, they know how much better he makes them.  They know that if they follow his direction and come along for the ride, he’ll set them all up for success.

Like a seasoned CEO, LeBron knows he’s only as good as the people around him and will only go as far as the weakest link takes him.  Luckily, he’s got awesome COO’s in Mike Miller and James Jones who help convey the message to the young players on the team.  Watch the three of them in timeouts and quarter changes.  They’re always showing, changing and discussing what moves need to be made…..like good leaders do.