I know it is only one data point but it seems like a fairly well controlled experiment to me.
Wednesday - in Cleveland, 76ers win
Friday - in Phillie, Cavs win
Two differences; Road vs. Home, Lebron vs. no Lebron
Cavs way better at home than on the road, so it probably isn't that.
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I agree with this analysis. (One of) the trouble(s) with the Cavs is that they often play unaware of their potential as an offensive juggernaut. Just because Lebron is on the floor doesn't mean the offense needs to revolve around him on every play. They've experimented with keeping him on the wing and letting Snow run the offense, but that's not what I mean. They've also been giving Z the ball more often, and that's a plus, but that isn't what I mean either.
I want Lebron to average 10-12 assists a game. As good as he is driving the lane, he can be double-teamed, and the kickout behind the arc strategy will only get you so far. The better thing would be for them to think of Gooden and Z as primary scorers -18 points a night guys - who depend on feeds from Lebron. If that works, and I think it would, then the defense would frequently respond by taking some of the pressure off of Lebron, which in turn would allow him to drive and shoot ad hoc, without three people in his face. Hughes, meanwhile, would be yet another potent weapon. That's what a balanced attack might look like.
The thing is, they haven't figured out how to do that with Lebron in the lineup. I think Lebron himself certainly wants that. He's no Gilbert Arenas, he definitely likes to pass and is not, I don't think, even anxious for the spotlight. The rest of the starters need to feel like it's their job (not Lebron's) to win games, even when Lebron is on the floor.
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