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David Blatt shows support for Lue, Cavs

By Jared Kungle

Mar 3, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach David Blatt (left) and assistant Tyronn Lue sit on the bench in the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach David Blatt (left) and assistant Tyronn Lue sit on the bench in the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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David Blatt has all the reason in the world to have ill-will towards the Cleveland Cavaliers, yet has shown full support toward his former employer.

During his two seasons with the Cavaliers, Blatt compiled an impressive 83-40 record, including an NBA Finals appearance in his first season. While Blatt was at the helm, there seemed to be a lack of camaraderie within the locker room, and General Manager David Griffin even said he had “never seen a locker room not be as connected after wins as they need to be.”  

Thus, Blatt, who had his team sitting at first place in the East, was fired, resulting in a promotion for then assistant coach Tyronn Lue.

Fast forward to the Eastern conference finals and Lue won his first 10 playoff games, breaking Pat Riley’s record of nine. The success of the team has drawn plenty of praise and support to the organization–including Blatt.

Blatt was in Atlanta during the Cavaliers second round series against the Hawks, and decided to reach out to Lue. Although the two haven’t seen each other since Blatt has relieved of his duties and haven’t talked “in some time,” Blatt showed support for Lue and the Cavaliers.

“He’s just a good person,” Lue told cleveland.com. “Always encouraging, always supportive. He just said how proud he was of me and what we’re doing, and that means a lot coming from him. His friendship is something I truly appreciate and value.”

Blatt’s voice seems to stand out to Lue: “When it comes from [Blatt], it means more,” Lue said to cleveland.com. “That’s my guy. He’s always been in my corner.”

Not does Lue have the support of Blatt, but his players support him 100 percent, including LeBron James.

“I think it’s just the even-keel mentality that he has,” LeBron James said. “He’s always preaching ‘next play.’ Just always, ‘next play.’ We come to a timeout, no matter what’s going on in the game, he just continues to breed confidence and talk confidence to us…T-Lue has been great for us as the captain of this ship.”

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Since the end of the season, Blatt has drawn the interest of several organizations, including the New York Knicks, Sacramento Kings, and the Houston Rockets. Blatt proved he can coach at the NBA level after leading the Cavaliers to the NBA finals with injuries to Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, but just wasn’t the right fit for Cleveland.

As for Lue and the Cavaliers, they are looking to continue their dominant play against the Toronto Raptors in the Eastern conference finals. No matter what happens, one thing is certain: they have the support of David Blatt.

Are you surprised by David Blatt supporting Ty Lue and the Cavs?