New York Knicks: Pros and Cons of Hiring David Blatt

Pro: Adaptability

A common misconception has clouded David Blatt’s reputation. The working theory is that he’s an unyielding coach who’s dismissive of theories that weren’t created by himself or those closest to him.

Everyone other than LeBron James‘ beat writers have implied that isn’t true.

By most accounts, Blatt is an adaptable coach who’s receptive to change and willing to hear his players and coaches out. Those comments have been made by many, including the players he coached with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

James was missing from that video, and we’ll touch on that soon.

Blatt’s willingness to accept criticism is one of the biggest reasons to be a fan of his. He appears to be open-minded enough to work with Phil Jackson and his assistant coaches, and that bodes well for a Knicks team with a veteran franchise player in Carmelo Anthony.

Perhaps most important of all, Marc Berman of The New York Post reports that Blatt is willing to run the Triangle Offense.

"“He’d be absolutely willing to run the triangle,’’ the NBA personnel director said. “There’s not great similarities between the two, but it is in the fundamental notion of ball movement, taking what the defense gives you.”"

That’s a critical piece of information, and it’s likely the driving force behind Blatt receiving an interview.

Jackson is committed to installing the Triangle Offense in New York. Kurt Rambis called out Derek Fisher for giving up on that process, and The Zen Master took it upon himself to run a seminar for his players in mid-April.

If Blatt joins the New York Knicks, he’ll do so with a wealth of coaching experience on the international scene and an open-mindedness to what he needs to change in order to be successful in the NBA.

Next: Con