Fansided

Ranking every NBA head coach LeBron James has played for

By Dave Stevenson

Dec 28, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James walks past head coach David Blatt against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Cavaliers defeated the Suns 101-97. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James walks past head coach David Blatt against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Cavaliers defeated the Suns 101-97. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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SAN ANTONIO – JUNE 07: LeBron James
SAN ANTONIO – JUNE 07: LeBron James /

Mike Brown

Mike Brown was a good head coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers while they had LeBron James. He coached them from 2005 to 201-. He took them to the NBA Finals in 2007. He took them to the Eastern Conference finals during the 2008-2009 season and took them to the Eastern Conference semifinals every other season that he coached LeBron James. Brown was a terrific defensive coach and he helped LeBron become the complete overall player that he is today.

Brown’s influence on James can be seen in one area: his defense. LeBron James has been named to either the first or second NBA All-Defensive team six straight times starting in 2009. From 2009 to 2013, he was named to the first team. In 2014, he was named to the second team. Silas deserves a ton of credit for planting the seed of greatness into LeBron but Brown was the coach who helped the seed grow into a towering beanstalk.

Brown didn’t have success away from LeBron James. Then again, neither of his coaches really have had much success away from LeBron. LeBron showed his respect for Brown when the Cavaliers re-hired him right before the 2013-2014 season.

“I’m happy for him,” James said, via CBSSports. “Very happy for him. I think he’s a really good coach, very defensive-minded coach. It’ll be good for those young guys that they have.”

Brown was really good for LeBron as a young player. It’s why he’s so great today.

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