If not for the AFC and NFC Finals yesterday, the Cleveland Cavaliers abrupt firing of head coach David Blatt would have been this weekend’s biggest sports story.
Despite having a 30-11 record (which was the best record in the NBA Eastern Conferrence), it wasn’t good enough. LeBron James claimed he was surprised by Blatt’s firing, but people close to Blatt aren’t buying it. King LeBron rules Cleveland and Cleveland wasn’t big enough for both him and Blatt. As a result of the Israeli-born Blatt, James has become as unpopular in the Jewish state as Iran. Basketball has long been Israel’s most popular sport.
Blatt was succeeded by assistant coach Tyronn Lue. Cleveland fans actually booed the team during its 96-83 loss to the Chicago Bulls in Lue’s debut yesterday. No doubt the Cleveland fans are not amused by the Cavalier treatment of Blatt.
Unless the Cavs win the NBA Title, this day will be as rued as the day the Indians traded Rocky Colavito to the Tigers for Harvey Kuenn. In which case, LeBron might want head back down south to Miami.