David Blatt may have been unfairly treated by the Cleveland Cavaliers, but it is becoming increasingly clear that none of his former players are weeping over his firing.
According to a report from Brian Windhorst and Zach Lowe of ESPN.com, the Cavs have felt “invigorated” over the last week. The newfound energy was discovered immediately after the team was informed that Blatt had been let go, as the Cavs reportedly held a players-only meeting to air out their frustrations with one another.
“It was like ripping off a scab,” a team source told ESPN. “And it was exactly what needed to happen. I think it was what [GM David Griffin] was hoping for.”
“It was very healthy for the team,” another source said. “It probably needed to happen weeks ago.”
There was apparently a sense that there was a lack of accountability under Blatt and that certain players were following a “different set of rules” than their teammates. LeBron James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving were the most vocal during the meeting, and they reportedly owned up to their personal shortcomings and agreed to “police” each other on certain issues going forward.
“It’s the type of conversation that only comes out when it’s time for that conversation, if you know what I mean,” a source told Windhorst and Lowe.
The Cavs have put together a four-game winning streak and are playing some of their best offensive basketball of the season. Love’s touches have increased under new head coach Tyronn Lue, and the big man has scored 20 or more points in each of Cleveland’s last three games.
There have been indications that Blatt did not hold star players — specifically LeBron — accountable. One report took it a step further and really painted a grim picture of the way Blatt was viewed in the locker room. Time will tell if Lue gets the job done, but the players certainly sound relieved that Blatt is gone.
