Former Cavaliers coach David Blatt wasn’t out of work for 24 hours before rumors of other teams showing interest began to emerge. The Nets, Wolves and Lakers have all been linked Blatt, who was canned Friday in Cleveland despite having the Cavaliers on top of the Eastern Conference with a 30-11 record.
Blatt reached the Finals in his only full season as an NBA coach, but complaints about his style could be heard in the locker room and throughout the organization. There were rumblings that he couldn’t relate to players and that he wasn’t willing to challenge LeBron James or point out the star’s mistakes. James and his agent reportedly had been trying to get Blatt fired since last season.
Blatt’s coaching brethren have been speaking out to defend him and denigrate the Cavs’ decision. Kings coach George Karl calls it “embarrassing,” tweets Jason Jones of The Sacramento Bee. Former Cavaliers coach Paul Silas says Blatt should have been allowed to hire his own assistants, tweets Marc Berman of The New York Post. Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer tells Chris Vivlamore of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he hopes Blatt gets another chance to coach in the NBA. The harshest criticism has come from Pistons coach/executive Stan Van Gundy, who said to David Mayo of MLive about the Cavs, “We have jobs, maybe, because our front offices aren’t quite as crazy as theirs, but that’s about it.”
Blatt has been successful everywhere he has gone. He won Israeli League Coach of the Year honors four times and captured the same award in the Russian Super League and the Euroleague. Coupled with his brief NBA success, there’s sure to be a job waiting for Blatt somewhere.
That brings me to the topic for today: Where do you think Blatt will be coaching next season?
Could he be the answer for Brooklyn, Minnesota or L.A.? Is there another job ready to open that Blatt might be more suited for? Or is his best option to return to Israel or Europe?
Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions on the matter. We look forward to what you have to say.
If the Nets can get him, Brooklyn fans should be thrilled. Though, I’m not sure why he would take that job. Ultimately I envision him taking the Minnesota job if it’s presented to him. It’s just the best gig.
I hope he doesn’t come to la
I would think the Wolves job would be a good fit. I wouldn’t be surprised if another job opens up that could be a good fit, too. I could see the Pelicans as one of those possibilities.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he winds up taking a job as the lead assistant coach for the Warriors if Luke Walton gets a head coaching job in the offseason. Kerr wanted Blatt for that job before the Cavs hired him. Now, Blatt would come armed with inside knowledge of one of the main roadblocks to another title for Golden State. That would be a strong fit.
The Warriors assistant coach is an attractive position. It may be the best job for Blatt, as being an assistant for a true contender in GS will keep his name in the conversation for future NBA head coaching gigs. He can then become real selective with his next head coaching stop.
I think MN will look closely at Blatt. Flip tried to hire him as an assistant with a chance to prove he could take over the job. Scott Brooks, JVG, and Blatt will likely top their list
I see Blatt going to MIN if Mitchell is let go after this year. He coached Wiggins in Summer League 2014 before they traded him for
love, and he would get to run things his way. Plus, no championship or bust in his first season.