I totally see what you're saying. Maybe they felt like it was Championship year and Cavs actually exited out earlier than last year. You know Cleveland was the favorite to win it all so I guess they felt that this was suppose to be it and that it faltered on lack of motivation or game plan not put together. Idk.
Yes, I agree that the expectations were high. Maybe it's my thinking that's flawed. I guess owners only build teams for the post-season, so once you get there, that's when you go under the microscope. While I can see that line of thinking, I think it's short-sighted. Here's why:
If you have a coach that keeps getting your team to the post-season here's the trickle-down effect-
- More regular season ticket sales
- More overall income due to playing in the post-season
- More team jersey sales
- More concession revenues (due to having better attendance)
- More national exposure (TV time)
- etc...
Let's look at the Philadelphia Eagles as a prime example. I don't know all of the statistics off hand, but I do know that under Donovan McNabb, they went to the NFC championship multiple years. They went to the Superbowl one time. The stadium stays sold out for home games. Team jersey sales are among the leage leaders every year. They get much TV coverage- even in non-Philly markets. It all means much income for Jeffrey Lurie. That's why Andy Reid is still around despite never winning the Superbowl. Maybe there's a difference in mentality between football owners and basketball, but it shouldn't be too different. I don't know. I'm just baffled at how firing a winner is justified.
