Cleveland Cavaliers head coach John Beilein is still very much in the infancy of his tenure with the team. As it is with all first-year coaches, it takes time for a coach to implement his way of leading a team.
While there’s no doubt that both Beilein and his players will undergo some growing pains in their first season together, it seems that thus far the Cavs roster has been quite receptive to Beilein’s coaching style.
Per Terry Pluto of Cleveland.com, the former University of Michigan head coach is getting his players to buy in to his way of doing things.
“The players have been receptive to Beilein’s practices, some running close to three hours,” he wrote. “But that’s not all time on the court. He incorporates videos, individual drills and other teaching techniques.”
Pluto added that there are three key players on the roster who Beilein has depended on to help lead the squad.
“A key for Beilein is Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson and Larry Nance Jr. being willing to support the coach with his unique (to the pro game) style of teaching,” he added. “Thompson is having a great camp and is expected to start at center with Love opening at power forward.”
It seems Beilein has easily identified the primary leaders of an otherwise young Cavs squad. That has undoubtedly helped him in his mission to implement his style of basketball.
The next test for Beilein will be to see whether or not his elongated practices has led to an improved product. While expectations are certainly not high for the Cavs’ overall success this season, progress from last year would be huge for a team that is still searching for an identity in their second post-LeBron James era.
