
Troubled Times: Cloud 9's Systemic Issues Hold Back LCS Success
Cloud 9's competitive League of Legends team faces significant challenges in their worst LCS split ever, having lost 7 of their first 10 games. The recent stepping down of jungler Meteos and return of former midlaner Hai as his replacement highlights deeper organizational issues.
The Problems:
- Poor Transition After Hai's Departure
- Team failed to properly replace Hai's world-class shotcalling
- Unrealistic expectations placed on rookie midlaner Incarnati0n
- Lack of structural changes to support new team composition
- Declining Player Performance
- Balls (top laner) currently ranks last in multiple statistical categories
- Lemonnation (support) shows mechanical decline with worst KDA among LCS supports
- Team averages 300 gold deficit in early game (second-worst in LCS)
- Organizational Issues
- Limited support staff expansion since Season 3
- Absence of authoritative leadership outside the game
- Poor draft phase execution
- Difficulty establishing effective game plans
- Misplaced Loyalty
- Reluctance to make necessary roster changes
- Management's failure to address underperforming players
- Overemphasis on maintaining original roster despite declining results
Impact and Future:
- Hai's return may improve shotcalling but won't address fundamental issues
- Team needs significant infrastructure improvements
- Management must make bold decisions regarding roster changes
- Professional support staff expansion is crucial
For Cloud 9 to return to their former glory, the organization must address these systemic issues through decisive action, improved infrastructure, and willingness to make difficult roster decisions.
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