It's official, David Blatt will become the first Euroleague coach to join the NBA as head coach after the Cleveland Cavaliers formally announced his hiring.
ESPN reported Cavs general manager David Griffin as saying: "I have watched David's work for many years. He has an uncanny ability to adapt his system to maximize the talents of his teams year after year. That is why I am very confident he will make a smooth transition to the NBA. There is a great opportunity to accelerate the progress of moving our team and franchise to the higher level of play we all believe we are capable of achieving."
The website added that sources within the organization say that Blatt will receive a three year contract worth $10 million with a team option in the fourth year.Blatt edged LA Clippers assistant coach Ty Lue for the job of coaching All-Star Kyrie Irving and this year's top draft pick.
"I couldn't be more excited about the opportunity to come to Cleveland and lead the Cavaliers as their head coach," Blatt was quoted by ESPN as saying. "This is an opportune time to join the Cleveland Cavaliers. We are going to work extremely hard to achieve the kind of results we all expect and know is possible."
Blatt is well regarded around the league that sources have indicated that new Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr was ready to hire him as lead assistant. He replaces Mike Brown who was fired at the end of the season.
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