The Cavaliers held a conference call featuring Head Coach Mike Brown with Season Ticket Holders on 9/16. The following are some notes I took during the call.
Q
Mike, as your first tour as head coach what/how do you prepare differently than when you were an assistant in Indiana?
A
One of the first things I noticed is that you have more responsibility away from the court. For example, early today I was working with the assistants on the practice court. Before I knew it I had to breakaway for our conference call. Also I am now responsible for all the players and their families. I was fortunate though in Indiana where coach allowed me to have full responsibility for the defense. It was awesome that he had that amount of trust in my ability.
Q
What is your operational model with your assistants?
A
I try to integrate key learning’s from my tenure in Indiana and San Antonio. Most importantly everyone is a head coach on this team and should feel as though their input is regarded as such. Of course I still will have the final veto. My assistants have a wide range of experience and wisdom so that will benefit the team greatly.
Q
How important is team chemistry?
A
Critical. Talent levels throughout the league these days is very even. What separates the teams are 3 things. Effort, Execution and Chemistry. Chemistry allows for one common goal and that is to win.
Q
Who is going to start this year?
A
Everyone on our team this year is good. We brought in players that will give us the type of culture we want. No one except Lebron is guaranteed a starting spot. Also our bench strength is very important. Starters start but finishers finish. And they may not always be the same.
Q
Whom do you see as our backup center this year?
A
Most teams do not have one true center. Fortunately we do in Z. Some other teams I see with true centers are Miami, San Antonio and Chicago. Given that a true back up center is a rarity, we see Alan Henderson, Drew and Donyell all being able to fill that role.
Q
How do you feel about the point guard position this year?
A
Excited, Eric and Damon both complement each other. Damon brings the shooting we need from a point guard and can defend at the other end. Eric has the experience and knowledge of the game and knows how to win.
Q
Being that you are a defensive minded coach how important is toughness and how do you bring a defensive system to a team?
A
Defense is all about toughness. We feel we have those guys. Ira Newble is one of those guys. For offense you change the system to match the players you have, but for defense the players simply need energy and effort.
Q
What is Luke Jackson’s progress
A
Good. He played a lot of basketball this summer with NBA caliber players with no pain or discomfort. He needs to get his timing and feel back but we feel he is coming along.
Q
What are your thoughts about the Eastern Conference this year?
A
East is a beast as my son would say. The Central Division is the toughest hands down. Every team in the division has a chance to be in the post season.
Q
How is Lebron doing this year?
A
Lebron is special. I can learn from him but I also have expectations of him and his peers. In San Antonio we expected much from Tim Duncan and we expect no less from Lebron. It is not about Lebron though, he needs a team around him to win and that is what our goal is. To win.