New coach Byron Scott must get his message across to LeBron James when the Cavaliers meet with the free agent, Terry Pluto writes.
Scribbles while thinking about new Cavs coach Byron Scott . . .
New coach Byron Scott has a vision for the Cavaliers and he must sell that plan to LeBron James when they meet with the free agent on Saturday.1. By LeBron James telling teams interested in signing him that they must come to Cleveland for their meetings, he seems to be sending them this message: "This is my hometown. I like it here. I'm comfortable here. It's going to take a lot to get me to leave."
2. Of course, I have no idea whether James said anything close to that. But he wisely dumped the idea of traveling to the various cities to be romanced by the Knicks on Broadway. Or the Bulls on the shores of Lake Michigan. Or the Heat on South Beach. Based on his T-shirt and sweatpants attire, he seems to be taking a very casual approach to this major decision. James is paying attention to everything said, but he certainly isn't acting like a guy looking for a reason to sign elsewhere.
3. When the Cavs and James meet today, it will be critical for new coach Byron Scott to sell James on what it means to win a championship in your home town. Scott grew up in Inglewood, Calif., not far from the old Forum where he was a member of three title teams with the Lakers. At his press conference, Scott talked about "his legacy" of winning a title at home, and how it can be so special to James.
4. Scott needs to assure James that he does seriously consider suggestions from key players. At his news conference, Scott wisely admitted he was part of the problem in New Jersey when he "bumped heads" with former Nets star Jason Kidd, also a friend of James. Scott said that players not only need "a kick in the butt," but that he has since learned to "give them a hug."
5. When the Cavs talked about Scott's "leadership and presence," you could see it at the news conference. He comes to town with 10 years of head coaching experience, two trips to the The Finals as a coach in New Jersey and three championship rings as a guard with the "Showtime" Lakers. He talk about being "old school . . . a Pat Riley [type coach]. . . . Defense wins championships." But he said he's added some "new school" over the years. He will be far more old school than what the Cavs have had in the past, and that probably is a change that's needed.
New Orleans' Chris Paul, one of LeBron James' good friends, credits Byron Scott with helping him develop into one of the NBA's top point guards.6. Scott heads into the meeting with James saying that friends insist the two-time MVP "wants to be coached and pushed." Scott said he will do just that. He does not have a previous relationship with James, but they both are close to Chris Paul. The Hornets' point guard is a fan of Scott, and had credited Scott with helping him grow as a player. Scott will talk about how Magic Johnson led the Lakers, and James can do that in a new, up-tempo offense that Scott plans to install "from Day One" of training camp.
7. In New Orleans, Scott's teams did not rank in the top 50 percent in fast-break points. Neither did the Cavs. So it will take a change in approach for Scott if the Cavs do indeed run. Scott does seem to want to put the ball in the hands of James, and let him ignite the offense.
8. Scott also said James may have "more talent" than Kobe Bryant, but Bryant has "five [championship] rings." He added that the difference is Bryant also had "more talent around him." Left unsaid is that Bryant also has had a confident coach in Phil Jackson who makes demands on the Lakers' star. When Bryant was a young player, Scott was brought back to the Lakers for the final year of his career (1996-97) to help mentor Bryant.