Cavaliers reach 3-year agreement with Euro coaching sensation, David Blatt.
20-year European coach, David Blatt has finally made his way to the states, landing his first NBA coaching job with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Both sides came to an agreement earlier today on a 3-year based deal, with the 4th year being a option. He now becomes the team’s third coach over the last 3 seasons and is the first Euro-based head coach to crossover to the NBA. He finally gained recognition from many GMs and owners after leading the Russian Olympic team to the bronze medal, behind the United States in 2012.
We’re still surprised he’s coming straight to the NBA in a head coaching job, but Cavs owner Dan Gilbert is in win now mode feeling secure with David’s long tenure in Europe.
The team has a variety of other things surrounding them this week, including who to take as their number 1 overall pick following the announcement of Joel Embiid’s right foot stress fracture, in which he underwent surgery earlier this morning – but also the possibility of re-signing LeBron James. Cleveland held a workout earlier today with Jabari Parker, who many believe may indeed be the team’s top draft choice for next Thursday’s draft.
Cavs' plan: Add talent and coach that is well-versed. From there it's whether LeBron wants to come in and lead the group.
— Sam Amico (@SamAmicoFSO) June 20, 2014
The 55-year-old Blatt was being scouted by recently appointed Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr to join him as an assistant next season, if he wasn’t able to land a head coaching gig. Tyrone Lue, Los Angeles Clippers assistant coach, finished as the runner-up to Blatt in the coaching search to replace Mike Brown. LeBron James has been rumored to want a coach with a proven track record, and so far, Dan Gilbert has been retooling the team.
Nothing against David Blatt, but if Cavs finalize deal w/him any chance they had of getting LeBron shrinks considerably.
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) June 20, 2014