This team wouldn't be where it is today without Brown.
The defense is what it is because of Mike Brown. He brought the system in here, he turned defense into our identity. He still has the final say on all matters."
I completely agree with this. There is no way we'd be where we are today without MB making over this team as a defense-oriented team. He did this. He deserves all the credit.
I am no fan of bashing players or coaches when we lose a couple games and we're all freaking out. I tend to believe that seasons are long, players/coaches are human, and we must be patient. But I also don't want to be in denial when I am observing something that feels alarming to me.
I think there are enough things with MB over the past couple years that many people on this forum have valid concerns. I believe that with our increased versatility and more capable squad (10 deep minimum), MB's shortcomings are now more apparent than ever. I believe there comes a point when coaches get stuck in a system or philosophy and what used to work well stops working so well. And that point, stagnancy, or worse conflict ensues that gets the whole system stuck as well. A few years back, we were overachievers riding the LBJ train. MB admitted readily that all he had to do with set up a solid defense and then watch LBJ go. That worked as well as it did, but last year I think we all started to observe troubling signs/trends. It all culminated in the ORL series and has been even more apparent this year.
I think it is fantastic he takes input from all areas. The system in place today is successful and hopefully it turns this team into a Dynasty....Mike Brown isn't an idiot like everyone wants to make him out to be. He is a great coach, I'm glad Gilbert hired the right guy.
I also love that MB takes input from all sides. Until recently, I thought this was one of his best strengths. But recently, I've questioned if this based more on his own insecurity with performing at a top level. I can relate to this personally - when I started out teaching, I wanted my classes to be open discussions, and take as much input as possible from my students. I thought this increased the learning. I still do. But I also understand when it is time for me to step in and manage effectively so that the learning is happening, and we are not just spinning our wheels, as entertaining as that may be. Looking back, I think I felt unprepared to perform in certain situations and so I relied on others as a crutch. Now it is still my overall philosophy, but I adjust accordingly. My main problem with MB is that he does not seem to be adjusting accordingly.
That is why I believe he seems so stuck and lost at times during games. I have no problem with him telling the coaches to step aside and letting Lebron lead last night, I think that can be a great technique. But if it's covering his own inadequacies and insecurities - which I think the whole Z dilemma may have pointed to - I do have a problem with that as we look to win a championship this year and build a dynasty with Lebron.
By the way, for those of you that read Shooting Stars, this is pretty much what Coach Dru confessed to happening to him during Lebron's junior year. He admitted feeling insecure in his coaching abilities and therefore put his faith in his guys to lead the way and stepped back and allowed to them to basically sabotage themselves, until the summer going into LBJ's senior year Coach Dru decided enough was enough, he was going to step it up and put them into their place, but mainly trust in his own abilities as a coach of that team...and he lead them through a very challenging year (not so unlike our challenges so far this year) to a perfect season (ignoring the forfeit). There's a lot to learn from that I think.