Despite Phil Jackson's reluctance to engage in a proactive head-coaching search and seeming content with promoting Kurt Rambis to a full-time position, former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach David Blatt believes that he has a legitimate shot at coaching the New York Knicks. Blatt also reportedly has the backing of Carmelo Anthony, who according to Marc Berman of the New York Post wants the Knicks to hire the ex-Cavs coach, mainly to help with the development of Kristaps Porzingis.
Porzingis had an excellent rookie season yet is still quite raw and can only keep improving with the proper guidance. Anthony believes that Blatt can provide that guidance for Porzingis.
From Berman:
Though his buddy LeBron James couldn't stand him, Carmelo Anthony likes the idea of hiring former Cavaliers coach David Blatt, according to a person familiar with his thinking.
...
The source stated Anthony believes Blatt, because of his vast international experience before joining the Cavaliers, would be better for 7-foot-3 Latvian phenom Kristaps Porzingis than would interim coach Kurt Rambis.
The source said Anthony feels Blatt could develop Porzingis into an All-Star quicker with his international touch. Blatt has dominated leagues in Israel and Russia, where he also was coach of the Olympic team, guiding the country to the bronze medal in 2012.
Cleveland hired Blatt because of his experience and success on the international level, and although he may have been fired by the Cavs, Blatt has a smart basketball mind and let's not forget that he guided them to the Finals last year. Could Blatt truly help take Porzingis to the next level of his game? Melo apparently is willing to take that chance by endorsing him.
Anthony may be the franchise player on the Knicks right now, but Porzingis is next in line. And according to this report, it seems like Anthony is eager to do whatever he can to help Porzingis carry the torch once he leaves the team down the road (free agency, retirement or trade). Smart thinking by Anthony, but the decision is solely Jackson's and only the Zen Master knows which way he is leaning.
