David Blatt Praises LeBron James Despite Ugly Cavaliers Exit: ‘The Greatest Player In The 21st Century’

During an interview with NBA reporter Sam Amick of The Athletic, David Blatt praised LeBron James despite getting fired by the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2015-16 season. 

Blatt struggled to gain LeBron’s support and was fired by the Cavaliers on January 22, 2016.

Cleveland replaced Blatt with Tyronn Lue and won the 2016 title over the Golden State Warriors in seven games. 

“I mean, I’ve moved on from that period of mine in the NBA,” Blatt said. “But I am just full of admiration for what that man (James) is doing in this environment and has done for 20 years at the highest level. I mean, it’s truly amazing. Obviously, they talk about his great achievements over the course of a couple of decades. But what he’s doing today, in my mind, supersedes all of that because of the continued commitment to excellence that he’s showing and because of the level that he displays.

“Look, I’m glad I had the opportunity to coach the greatest player in the 21st century. Now whether (the Cavs experience) finished in the best way in terms of my staying with the team or not, that’s one part of it. Whether I can look back and say, ‘You know, I was part of the team that ultimately did lead to a championship in the NBA.’ That’s pretty special, you know?”

The Cavaliers became the first team in NBA history to erase a 3-1 series deficit in the Finals. LeBron averaged 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 8.9 assists, 2.6 steals and 2.3 blocks in the 2016 Finals. 

The leading scorer in NBA history, LeBron is a four-time MVP, a four-time Finals MVP and a four-time champion. He has career averages of 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.7 blocks with the Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers.

LeBron, 39, is the only player to rank top five all-time in points and assists, the only player to win three Finals MVPs with three different teams, the only player with 30,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 career assists and the only player to score 40,000 points.