Darussafaka Istanbul coach David Blatt has guided his team to the EuroCup finals, but the American admits that he still has unfinished business in the NBA.
Following his EuroLeague success with Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2014, Blatt left for the NBA, where he led the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Finals in his first season, where he fell short against the Golden State Warriors.
He spent a season and a half with the Cavaliers, with a total record of 83-40 before he got controversially fired with the team leading the Eastern Conference and Blatt set to coach the East in the upcoming All-Star Game in 2016.
Though never revealed, many thought that Blatt’s sacking was in part due to the strong influence of LeBron James, who reportedly didn’t get on with the veteran European coach and the Cavs promoted Tyronn Lue, who is a good friend of James to head coach.
Blatt, ever the professional has gone back to Europe and has spent two seasons with Darussafaka, leading them to the EuroLeague playoffs and this season’s EuroCup final but he still has aspirations to return to the NBA.
“As of yet, I haven’t talked with anyone or any team,” Blatt admitted in an interview to Turkish TV channel Tivibu Sport.
“NBA teams start these kinds of processes at the very end of regular season. Through the end of it, the thinking process begins but when the regular season ends for non-playoff teams, the recruiting process accelerates.
“I haven’t received an offer from anyone. I am hoping, too. I said this last summer when there were no openings for an NBA coaching opportunity. I wanted to get a position in the NBA again when this season ends. I want to try the NBA one more time. If it happens, I would be thrilled. If it does not, I would still be thrilled because I am still in Europe where I am comfortable and happy.”
