It was reported earlier this month that new Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was targeting European basketball legend David Blatt for a potential assistant coaching position on the team. What seemed like a long shot at the time, might very well end up happening.
It was previously reported that Blatt would only entertain a move to the NBA as a head coach. The European coaching star has recently denied that.
Blatt told me this morning he was misquoted about not being open for NBA Asst job. "Complete BS. I never said that."
— David Pick (@IAmDPick) June 12, 2014
In addition to that, David Pick of Eurobasket.com has some more information regarding the possibility that Blatt will indeed move stateside (H/T ESPN.com, insider required).
This is a report that Blatt himself has since confirmed.
Blatt on heading to the league. "The NBA is a challenge and I want to prove myself. Again."
— David Pick (@IAmDPick) June 12, 2014
Pick later indicated that Blatt plans to meet with the Cleveland Cavaliers about their head coaching vacancy. He has already met with Warriors head coach Steve Kerr during a layover at LAX in Southern California.
If Blatt doesn’t land the Cavaliers job, there is a strong chance that he would then head to the Warriors as an assistant.
As we indicated earlier this month, the hiring of Blatt would be a coup, especially as an assistant coach.
The 55-year-old Blatt was previously the Russian National Team head coach from 2006-2012 and has been coaching in Europe since 1993. He led Maccabi Tel Aviv to a championship over Real Madrid this year.
It now remains to be seen where he lands. In reality, the Cavaliers would be dumb to pass up on him in lieu of the candidates that they have been linked to. Though, it must be noted that they have other potential options and are meeting with other candidates, some for a second time.
#Cavs will interview David Blatt next week, source says. Source also confirms Yahoo report of Tyronn Lue second interview Friday, and Gentry
— NEOMG Cavs (@PDcavsinsider) June 12, 2014
With only two head coaching vacancies remaining, it’s rather obvious Blatt would be willing to take on an assistant coaching gig. If that’s the case, Golden State remains a frontrunner for his services.
Photo: Pro Basketball Talk