The Cleveland Cavaliers’ second run with LeBron James ended with a Finals trip, but no O’Brien trophy. Despite a historically great performance by James in the Finals that included four triple-doubles in six games, Cleveland, depleted by injury and facing one of the best statistical teams of all-time in the Golden State Warriors fell short.
Along the way Cavs head coach David Blatt has had criticism heaped upon him, and that was partly fueled by his curious relationship with James. Several incidents raised eyebrows; among them was an instance of LeBron pushing him, and others in which he appeared to ignore or contradict Blatt and his play calls.
On Thursday Blatt quelled speculation he would flee LeBron’s wrath next season though, saying he would “absolutely” return for a second try at the title.
“To be able to hit the ground running next year with all or most of our roster intact will be just an enormous advantage," Blatt said.
He also addressed the rumors of his fractured relationship with James.
"People sometimes judge things on a game or on a period of time and they forget that we're in there working together and striving to make the utmost of our team and of our situation day to day," Blatt said.
"And a bond develops over time that is a lot more than what meets the eye. ... I can just tell you it's been a fantastic experience, and I'm looking forward to continuing it."
Cleveland general manager David Griffin weighed in as well, saying the media is sensationalizing the turmoil.
"Relative to the tone of the stories, I really don't care," Griffin said. "I think sensational sells now, and certainly with a team like ours the more sensational the better,” Griffin said.
Regardless of the relationship, Blatt has confirmed he’s coming back. Now the Cavs can focus on the impending free agency of Tristan Thompson and the potential free agencies of James, Kevin Love and J.R. Smith.
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