Former Cavaliers coach David Blatt attended Hawks shootaround Friday morning at Philips Arena in advance of tonight’s game against the Pacers.
Blatt was inside the arena during the practice and spent time with Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer in his office afterward.
Blatt was abruptly fired on Jan. 23 after he coached the Cavaliers to the NBA Finals last season and the best record in the Eastern Conference (30-11) this season. Blatt said he has several good friends in the Atlanta area and has spent time here following his dismissal. He left the arena with Hawks assistant coach Neven Spahija, also a friend.
The Cavaliers swept the Hawks in the conference finals last season.
Budenholzer said Blatt was merely in for a visit.
“It’s always good to have a coaching colleague, friend, another (pair of) eyes,” Budenholzer said. “He’s very close to Neven. I’ve known him throughout the years. He came through San Antonio several times. Very good coach. Very much respected. It was nice to visit with him and catch up a little bit.”
