It has been nearly a decade since the last time David Blatt coached in the NBA for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Blatt was fired by the Cavs in January 2016. Fast forward to today, and Blatt is no longer coaching after getting diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2019.
As for his best player during his stint with the Cavs, Blatt expressed awe that LeBron James continues to play at a high level.
Via Sam Amick of The Athletic:
James is still going strong at 39, with Lue close by as a Team USA assistant and, for good measure, Warriors coach Steve Kerr heading the staff. It’s only natural to wonder if this reunion of sorts might spark some reflection.
“Not really,” he said. “I mean, I’ve moved on from that period of mine in the NBA. But I am just full of admiration for what that man (James) is doing in this environment and has done for 20 years at the highest level. I mean, it’s truly amazing. Obviously, they talk about his great achievements over the course of a couple of decades. But what he’s doing today, in my mind, supersedes all of that because of the continued commitment to excellence that he’s showing and because of the level that he displays.”
James is turning 40 years old in December but instead of taking a vacation this summer to prepare for his 22nd year in the NBA, he is out in Paris starring for Team USA and is aiming to win another gold at the Olympics. Last season with the Los Angeles Lakers, James averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds through 71 games.
In parts of two seasons with the Cavs, Blatt garnered an 83-40 coaching record in the regular season and 14-6 in the NBA Playoffs. He earned two Eastern Conference Coach of the Month awards.
Even though Blatt was let go by the Cavs before they won the title in 2016, he still got an NBA ring from Cleveland.
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