David Blatt will be leaving his position at the Maccabi Tel Aviv to join the University of Arizona as a consultant.
In a recent report from Nadav Zenziper of Ynetnews.com, it was determined that Blatt intended to leave Maccabi due to health concerns from his sclerosis.
Blatt was diagnosed with the said disease back in 2019.
“With frequent air travel making it challenging due to the advancement of his multiple sclerosis, David Blatt will step down as a member of Maccabi’s managing committee and will focus on his new role as a professional consultant for the University of Arizona”
A senior figure within Tel Aviv has confirmed the move made by Blatt. The head coach’s condition is due to sclerosis triggered by frequent air travel.
“Blatt has informed us that he will not continue in his position due to health reasons,” a senior figure at Maccabi Tel Aviv confirmed for the first time. “We tried to persuade him to remain in any capacity he finds suitable, but it seems he will permanently leave for the United States. His physical condition makes flying and related activities quite challenging for him, which is very unfortunate for us. He’s keeping things close to his chest and we naturally respect every decision he makes.”
Blatt has close ties with the Israeli club as he served for them multiple times as a coach and executive. Right now, he currently sits as a critical member of the Canadian men’s basketball staff as a consultant and technical expert.
Following the World Cup, his coaching expertise should benefit a Tommy Lloyd-led Wildcats program that won the Pac-12 Tournament championship and had a Sweet Sixteen finish last season in the NCAA competition.
The 64-year-old notably served as the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers for 1 ½ seasons, helping them to reach the NBA Finals in 2014-15. He was eventually replaced by his assistant Ty Lue in the middle of the 2015-2016 campaign wherein the Cavs went on to win its first title in franchise history.
