Scott said he’s learned a lot

Jul 03, 2010

By: The Morning Journal

By Bob Finnan
RFinnan@News-Herald.com

CLEVELAND – When he first became New Jersey’s head coach in 2000, Byron Scott was a strict disciplinarian.

That could be one reason he clashed with ex-Nets point guard Jason Kidd.

Through the years, he’s learned from those mistakes. In his mind, has become a better coach. Evidently, the Cavaliers agree, as they signed him to a four-year contract late Thursday night.

“I came in with the Pat Riley attitude and at times we bumped heads,” he said. “I’ll be the first to admit a lot of that was my fault as well. You have to learn from your mistakes.”

He’s grown as a coach. Hopefully, it will help him with dealing with LeBron James, assuming he stays with the Cavs.

“I learned how to deal with those players and still be me,” Scott said. “I know how to push those buttons and to be able to produce on the basketball court and not lose myself in the process.

“I’m going to be who I am. I’ll be honest. I’ll be the first to kick them in the butt, and I’ll be the first to give them a hug.”

Talking head

After being fired nine games into the 2009-10 season in New Orleans, he became a television analyst with ESPN. He admits he liked it, but he wanted to return to his roots.

“I couldn’t lose a game (as an analyst),” Scott said. “I couldn’t get blamed for a loss. I did the second-guessing.

“But I had a burn in my belly. About a month after New Orleans let me go, I wanted to coach. It’s something I love doing. I have a gift.”

One of the characteristics the Cavs were looking for was a strong defensive coach. That doesn’t exactly describe Scott, but he said all the right things the day he was introduced to the media.

“I know defense wins championship,” Scott said. “That will be our focus. There will be nights the offense is not clicking. The effort and tenacity will give you a chance to win every night.”

He wants to run an up-tempo attack on offense. In the halfcourt, they’ll run the Princeton offense. It’s predicated on a lot of player and ball movement. But he runs some Triangle offense, too.

Pressey’s coming

Paul Pressey will be Scott’s lead assistant coach.

“He’s a great guy,” Scott said. “He played in this league and had a lot of success. I consider LeBron as a point forward. Pressey was a point forward at Milwaukee. Don Nelson coined that phrase because of the way he played the game.

“He’s a great communicator. He’s great with players. He’s a great workout guy. He’s very good at delivering a message on certain things. I have a lot of faith in him and confidence in him. He’ll be great here. The players will love him. He has a great sense of humor.”

Scott said he’ll talk to Chris Jent about being on the staff. Melvin Hunt said he hasn’t talked to anyone about remaining on staff. He’s under contract for this season.

The ringmaster

Scott was asked what the difference was between James and Kobe Bryant.

“Five rings,” he quipped.

“I don’t think there’s a big difference as far as talent is concerned. In fact, I think LeBron is more talented. Kobe was put in a great situation. LeBron is going to get there. I’m telling you, he’s going to win a championship. A few of them.”

Information for the NBA notebook was gathered by personal interviews and from other beat writers around the league. Finnan can be reached by e-mail at: RFinnan@News-Herald.com. Follow Finnan on Twitter at: bobcavsinsider.

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