LeBron James, David Blatt

Cleveland Cavaliers head coach David Blatt, right, talks with Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James during an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

(Tony Dejak)

ATLANTA, Georgia – David Blatt isn't the one to blame for the Cavaliers' erratic, lifeless performances. He's stuck between a rock and a hard place.

In June the rookie NBA head coach accepted a rebuilding project centered on a young nucleus in Kyrie Irving, Dion Waiters and Tristan Thompson. The organization was in full reconstruct mode.

Hiring Blatt meant he had to learn the intricacies and nuances of the NBA coaching profession on the fly, but it was of the understanding that he would develop and blossom right along with his young, core group.

Cleveland was so committed to this period that when LeBron James - out of left field - decided to return home, the Cavaliers didn't have the necessary cap space to sign him. Despite subtle hints for months on the possibilities, they lacked the foresight to prepare the books.

Blatt is as accomplished as they come in his occupation, but there was no set of circumstances or experiences that could have equipped him to make a smooth transition into this high-profile position.

What the Cavaliers are going through was inevitable, as highlighted by a spiritless 23-point thumping at The Q by the hands of the six-win Detroit Pistons on Sunday.

Not even two weeks ago, it was the Atlanta Hawks, their opponent tonight, who thrashed them at home by 29 points, as well. A team consisting of Irving, James and Kevin Love is geared for winning now.

James has not and will not, throughout the course of the season, go to management seeking Blatt's removal, a league source said. That level of authority is not in his job description.

"Listen man, I don't pay no bills around here. I play," James said following Monday's practice.

If you're waiting for a ringing endorsement from James on behalf of Blatt, it's not happening. It's much too soon.

"He's our coach, I mean, what other coach do we have?" James said.

There is immense pressure to keep The King happy.

James, who turns 30 today, has no intention of compromising his prime years playing for a sputtering organization. He can opt out of his contract at the end of the season and become a free agent.

Given the massive scrutiny he would endure if he departed Cleveland a second time, if his hand is forced, I'm told he won't hesitate to make the appropriate business decision if it means bolting.

But if James and his teammates want the current situation to improve, that means they have some self-reflecting to do.

"I'll do anything for coach Blatt," Irving said. "I know players feel the same thing."

Prove it and play for the guy.

The dreadful body language, the disengagement, the attitudes, the lollygagging on defense must cease. Leaders need to lead and players need to play. Regardless of who is roaming the sidelines, players have an obligation to give it their all from start to finish.

Those are all things out of Blatt's control. Those are also things that get coaches canned. Blatt doesn't deserve that. This isn't what he signed up for.

Blatt has to look into the mirror, too. His substitution patterns are anything but patterns; timeouts are occasionally mismanaged; and the offense is stagnant. There's no need to touch on the defense. Its woes are well-documented.

However, the Cavaliers aren't 18-12 with six losses by 10 or more points because of X's and O's, it's because of effort. A good start would be payback by crushing the Hawks on their floor tonight. That would show some consciousness.

The truth of the matter is that this is the situation, and everyone involved needs to make the most of it. Everyone.