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James talks up his IQ level in sport
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Widely criticized in NBA circles for a perception that he pushed for Cleveland’s front office to fire David Blatt last week, LeBron James said the criticism that he undercuts coaches was unfair. “But what can I do about it?” he asked.
“I’ve never, in my time since I picked up a basketball, ever undermined a coach, ever disrespected a coach,” he said. “You ask any of my little league coaches, my high school coaches, coaches I’ve played for in tournaments, camps, my NBA coaches, I’ve always respected what they wanted to do.”
Blatt was fired last Friday midway through his second season despite having them atop the Eastern Conference standings and leading the team to the NBA Finals last season.
Blatt was replaced by Tyronn Lue, his top assistant who has known James since he was a high school phenomenon.
James said his willingness to speak his mind has led to the criticism that he’s not always on the same page with his coaches. “People get it so misconstrued because I’m a smart basketball player and I’ve voiced my opinion about certain things, which I did when I was here my first stint with Paul Silas and Mike Brown. Which I did in Miami with Coach Spo. Which I did with Blatt, and I’ll do with T. Lue,” he said.
“And at the end of the day, they’ll still have their final call. But, I don’t know. What do you guys want me to do, turn my brain off because I have a huge basketball IQ? If that’s what they want me to do, I’m not going to do it because I’ve got so much to give to the game.
“There’s no difference for me telling my teammates or telling guys how to get better with their game. If I feel I got something that will help our team, ultimately, I like to give it. It helped me get two titles.”
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