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New York Knicks: Pros and Cons of Hiring David Blatt

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 28, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach David Blatt reacts against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Cavaliers defeated the Suns 101-97. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach David Blatt reacts against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Cavaliers defeated the Suns 101-97. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 16, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach David Blatt talks to media after game six of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 16, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach David Blatt talks to media after game six of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Pro: Coaching Experience

Coaching in Europe and coaching in the NBA are two entirely different animals. Thus, some may be quick to dismiss what David Blatt achieved overseas and state that he needs to prove himself as a head coach in the Association.

Blatt was in the process of doing just that when he was unceremoniously fired from his perch as the head coach of the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.

During his first season in Cleveland, Blatt led the Cavaliers to a record of 53-29—good for the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. He then helped Cleveland overcome the injury absence of Kevin Love to reach the 2015 NBA Finals.

Blatt had the Cavaliers off to a conference-best record of 30-11 at the time of his firing in 2015-16.

On the international scene, Blatt won the Euroleague championship and was named Euroleague Coach of the Year in 2014. Furthermore, he led Russia to an unexpected Olympic bronze medal in 2012, and won seven league titles between the Israeli, Italian and Adriatic leagues.

Blatt has proven himself as a head coach everywhere he’s been. Right?

Next: Con

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