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Knicks Rumors: Pros and cons of hiring David Blatt

By Maxwell Ogden

KRASNODAR, RUSSIA - APRIL 09: David Blatt, Head Coach of Darussafaka Istanbul during the 7DAYS EuroCup Basketball Finals Darussafaka Istanbul Training Session at Basket Hall on April 9, 2018 in Krasnodar, Russia. (Photo by Marina Kobzeva/EB via Getty Images)
KRASNODAR, RUSSIA - APRIL 09: David Blatt, Head Coach of Darussafaka Istanbul during the 7DAYS EuroCup Basketball Finals Darussafaka Istanbul Training Session at Basket Hall on April 9, 2018 in Krasnodar, Russia. (Photo by Marina Kobzeva/EB via Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – JANUARY 4: Head coach David Blatt talks to LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers as James leaves the game during the first half against the Toronto Raptors at Quicken Loans Arena on January 4, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – JANUARY 4: Head coach David Blatt talks to LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers as James leaves the game during the first half against the Toronto Raptors at Quicken Loans Arena on January 4, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Con: Fallout With LeBron James

David Blatt built solid relationships with a number of players during his tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Many appreciated the way Blatt challenged them both physically and mentally, including All-NBA point guard Kyrie Irving.

Unfortunately, Blatt failed to connect with LeBron James—a troubling reality that could either be blamed on James or viewed as a con.

Blatt’s system intends to maximize his big men’s strengths, but LeBron James’ ball-dominant style of play forced Kevin Love into the corner. Thus, it’s easy to see why Blatt and James didn’t exactly get along during their brief run together.

Blatt’s system intended to make it about all five players on the court, while James has long been of the mentality that he alone can act as a system.

It’s possible that there were other issues afoot, as James is regarded as a likable player. He’s clashed with coaches in the past, but the reality for Blatt is that failing to get his superstar to buy in from Day 1 is a knock against him.

Based on what transpired between Jeff Hornacek and Kristaps Porzingis, it would be fair for the New York Knicks to be skeptical of Blatt.

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