Most Golden State Warriors fans are pretty happy with the way their coaching staff turned out, but according to Chris Haynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, that staff very nearly included Cavs HC David Blatt.
We knew the Warriors were one of several teams looking to bring in Blatt this summer, but not how close it was to happening. Here's what Haynes had to say:
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr says he felt David Blatt was close to joining his staff if he hadn't been offered #Cavs head coaching gig.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 10, 2015
David Blatt says he made verbal agreement to join Steve Kerr's staff. #Cavs offered him job and he says Kerr kindly allowed him to take it.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 10, 2015
Not a household name in the States until this year, Blatt was known one of the most successful coaches in European basketball, winning the EuroLeague in 2014 with Maccabi Tel Aviv. He coached Russia's national team from 2006 to 2012, winning gold in the 2007 FIBA European Championships and bronze in the 2012 London Olympics.
After it became clear Blatt was headed to Cleveland, the Warriors wasted no time in hiring former Suns HC Alvin Gentry as a top assistant and associate head coach. Ron Adams was brought in from the Boston Celtics just days later as the Warriors' top defensive assistant.
The Warriors defeated Blatt's Cavaliers 112-94 on Friday night. Golden State is an NBA-best 29-5, while Cleveland currently sits 6th in the East with a 19-18 overall record.
Never miss another Warriors story - download the free Chat Sports mobile app today!
Back to the Golden State Warriors Newsfeed