As a coach, switching from the Euroleague to the NBA is unheard of. But David Blatt has changed all that and the new Cleveland Cavaliers man has gone from coaching a Euroleague-winning side in Milan back in May to leading LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love. Even Blatt needs to take a deep breath here.
Blatt is handling it though as as he took practice this week for the first time, the players are liking his methods.
BLATT IS A BORDERLINE GENIUS?
Granted these are tweets from a European journalist and FIBA Europe staff, but it seems that Cleveland coach David Blatt is winning over the Cavs players.
Kudos to our friends David Pick and Francesca Mei.
according to multiple reporters at @cavs practice #MikeMiller called #DavidBlatt's offensive system "Borderline Genius"
— Francesca Mei (@francymei) September 29, 2014
LeBron says he hasn't played in a system like Blatt's since "high school" and that it's "mentally challenging".
— David Pick (@IAmDPick) September 29, 2014
Welcome to the world of FIBA basketball, LeBron.
NBA MEDIA DAY GEMS
One or two gems from NBA Media Days held around the league.
“I have to be better. I have to be great on both ends.” […] “I know at times my defence is pretty bad.” — James Harden
“[I’m the most] the most underrated superstar” in the league.” — Carmelo Anthony
The best two though are saved for Swaggy P himself, Nick Young.
“I was showing Kobe the ropes this summer. I had a sit down with coach Byron Scott telling him how he should play.”
“I migth win MVP or try to go for Sixth Man of the Year or Most Improved or Defensive Player of the Year. I got robbed last year.”
POPS HEADING TO DENVER
Pops Mensah Bonsu has reportedly turned down numerous offers in Europe to join the Denver Nuggets on a non-guaranteed camp deal in a last ditch attempt to finally crack the NBA.
Mensah-Bonsu, who hasn’t played for Great Britain since the London Olympics in 2012 has had multiple [literally multiple] chances to prove himself in the NBA but has wound up in Europe where he has carved a good career for himself.
Hint, hint.
TIAGO SPLITTER OUT WITH STARINED SOLEUS
As reported by David Aldridge, San Antonio Spurs and Brazil big-man Tiago Splitter is out with a strained right soleus and will be re-evaluated in 7-10 days.
Timetable for the return is not clear.
