Blatt denies rumored rift with LeBron

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio—Even after guiding a team wrecked by injuries to the NBA Finals in his first season, Cleveland Cavaliers coach David Blatt can’t escape a narrative that’s shadowed him for months.

His relationship with superstar LeBron James remains a touchy topic.

On Thursday, as a national column painted an unflattering portrait of how James treated him during postseason games, Blatt said he considers coaching the four-time Most Valuable Player a privilege and they have a positive connection.

“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.”

Two days after the Cavaliers’ season ended with a Game 6 loss to Golden State in the NBA Finals, Blatt and general manager David Griffin both addressed the team’s upcoming plans to rebuild its roster, re-sign several core players including James, Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson and improve a bench—aging at the back end—that didn’t provide enough help against the Warriors.

And while there’s plenty of work to be done, Blatt, who said he “absolutely” intends to return next season, doesn’t believe his bridge with James needs major repair.

It’s no secret that James didn’t always seem engaged with his coach during timeouts—anyone who watched the Cavs this season witnessed that—and there were times when he disagreed with Blatt, even questioned his strategies. But James’ respect for Blatt seemed to grow as the season went on.

“He is a galvanizing player.  He’s the league’s best player.  He’s a proven champion.  I think it’s important that he feels empowered and at the same time that he knows that he’s very much a part of this team,” said Blatt.  AP