Former Cleveland Cavaliers Player Recalls Why David Blatt Was Fired Despite NBA Finals Run

David Blatt served as head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers for one and a half seasons, leading the team to the NBA Finals in his first year. Despite holding the best record in the Eastern Conference (11-30) when he was fired on January 22, 2016, the Cavaliers replaced him with assistant coach Tyronn Lue, who then guided the team to its first-ever NBA championship that same season.

Former Cavaliers player Brandon Haywood, who played under Blatt, recently reflected on the reasons behind Blatt's dismissal. Haywood explained that Blatt was fired during the season following their Finals appearance, largely due to his coaching style and his uneasy relationship with LeBron James. Haywood recalled a famous playoff moment against Chicago when LeBron rejected a play drawn up by Blatt, instead creating his own play that led to a memorable game-winning shot. "That was the reason Blatt was fired," Haywood said, noting that in critical moments, plays should be designed for LeBron, not others.

Haywood also described how Blatt treated LeBron differently than other players, which was visible to the team. While other players could be reprimanded for defensive lapses, LeBron was often exempt, creating tension. In contrast, Tyronn Lue challenged LeBron more directly, demanding better defense and less arguing with referees.

Despite the rocky relationship, Blatt received a championship ring from Cleveland. In 2024, Blatt spoke about the gesture, sharing that LeBron told him, "You earned it." Blatt acknowledged that while their relationship was not perfect and he might not have been the best fit for the NBA or the players, he gave his all and was proud to have contributed to the title. He reflected that he could have done better but accepted the circumstances that led to his departure.