Tristan Thompson of the Tristan Thompson revisited the early years of the Cleveland rebuild, explaining how the organization’s coaching decisions were shaped by two different timelines during a roster transition that eventually included LeBron James’ return.
Speaking on Club Shay Shay, Thompson described how David Blatt was initially brought in to develop a young core rather than immediately contend for championships. Cleveland’s roster at the time featured Kyrie Irving, Dion Waiters, Thompson, and Tyler Zeller, with expectations centered on internal growth rather than title contention.
“The reality is this, David Blatt got hired to coach myself, Kyrie Irving, Dion Waiters, Tyler Zeller… he got hired before LeBron James signed back,” Thompson said, via Club Shay Shay, via HoopsHype. “He didn’t get hired for LeBron James and Kevin Love to come in.”
The Cavaliers’ direction changed quickly in 2014 when James returned in free agency and the front office acquired Love. That shift transformed Cleveland from a developmental team into a title contender, altering the coaching environment Blatt had originally been hired to manage.
Thompson emphasized that the organization effectively prepared for multiple outcomes by structuring its coaching staff with different strengths. He pointed to the hiring of Lue as part of a broader contingency plan designed to maintain credibility with a star-driven roster if circumstances changed.
“So you bring Tyronn Lue in… if things don’t go right with Blatt and if we do get a superstar like LeBron, we got someone that has credibility with LeBron,” Thompson said.
Cleveland’s roster evolution placed immediate pressure on Blatt, who had extensive success in European basketball but no NBA coaching experience. Managing a team that shifted from rebuilding expectations to championship demands created constant adjustment, particularly as James assumed primary control of on-court decision-making.
The Cavaliers ultimately replaced Blatt midway through the 2015-16 season, elevating Lue to head coach. Cleveland finished that season by winning the NBA championship, defeating the Golden State Warriors in the Finals after overcoming a 3-1 series deficit.
