9. Former NBA Player
The most stinging remark a head coach can hear is when a player tells him, “You’ve never played the game,” implying that he doesn’t have any credibility in offering advice or criticism. While there’s no indication that that was the case with respect to David Blatt, the fact is that his on-court experience was limited to college and international play.
Lue, on the other hand, played 11 seasons, and was never a star. Therefore, he’s seen what the league’s superstars go through and he knows what it’s like to be a reserve that wants to play. Without ever saying it, the Cavaliers players will likely give more credence to Lue’s words than whatever Blatt had previously offered, and that subtle respect can only serve to move them forward.
Next: Championship Pedigree
