The New York Knicks recently interviewed David Blatt. A former Knicks scout believes that Blatt is the perfect fit for the organization.
The New York Knicks have expressed interest in hiring David Blatt as head coach. While many LeBron James fans will scoff at the idea of Blatt receiving a second chance, there’s a growing belief that it’s only a matter of time before he’s back in the NBA.
As the Knicks ponder the possibility of hiring Blatt, a former team employee is providing insight into what the 58-year-old can provide the organization with: Structure.
Blatt coached the Cleveland Cavaliers for parts of two seasons, reaching the 2015 NBA Finals and leading the team to the best record in the Eastern Conference at the time of his firing. He’s since returned to Europe, but Steve Mills has made it a point to interview his former college teammate.
According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, former Knicks scout Tim Shea endorsed Blatt as a top candidate due to his experience, past success, and fit.
"“He’s a winner and a teacher of solid basketball — be it NBA, Euroleague, Israeli league or the Russian national team in the Olympics,’’ said former Knicks European scout Tim Shea, an NBA consultant on overseas players. “KP [Kristaps Porzingis] and Frank Nitti [Ntilikina] need him as he is the most qualified to finally make international players that arrive in New York comfortable and productive. He’d be a godsend.”"
It’s difficult to argue against any of the points that Shea raised, which makes it entirely justifiable for the front office to explore this possibility.
Blatt has experienced success all over the the world. He dominated the competitive league in Israel with Maccabi Tel Aviv, winning four Israeli Super League championships and six Israeli Cup crowns during his legendary runs.
Blatt also won championships in Italy, Russia, and the Adriatic League, thus proving that he could change leagues and still win.
Perhaps most importantly: Blatt led Maccabi Tel Aviv to the 2014 EuroLeague title, Russia to the gold medal at EuroBasket 2017, and Darüşşafaka to the 2018 EuroCup crown.
As for what this means for the Knicks, Blatt has first-hand knowledge of how to help players with a European basketball background thrive. That should appeal to New York, as Kristaps Porzingis and Frank Ntilikina are franchise cornerstones.
There’s no guaranteeing that Blatt can win in the NBA, but he has past experience that implies he can—see: A career record of 83-40 (.675), albeit with LeBron James.
Must Read: Pros and cons of hiring David Blatt
The question is: Will David Blatt be given the opportunity to coach Kristaps Porzingis, Frank Ntilikina, and the New York Knicks?