Former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach David Blatt has expressed his astonishment at LeBron James’ sustained excellence in the NBA, describing it as “really unbelievable.” LeBron, who is 39 years old and set to turn 40 in December, is currently the oldest player in the league. Blatt shared his thoughts with Donatas Urbonas of Basketnews, conveying his admiration for LeBron’s enduring performance.
Blatt, who coached LeBron during his tenure with the Cavaliers, witnessed firsthand the superstar’s capabilities. Under Blatt’s leadership, the Cavaliers achieved an impressive record of 83-40 in the regular season and 14-6 in the playoffs. This period included a memorable run to the NBA Finals in 2015, where the Cavaliers were narrowly defeated by the Golden State Warriors in a six-game series. Despite this, Blatt was dismissed from his coaching position in January 2016, with Tyronn Lue stepping in as his replacement. The following season, Lue guided the Cavaliers to a historic victory over the Warriors in the 2016 Finals, overcoming a 3-1 series deficit to claim the championship.
Blatt’s respect for LeBron extends beyond their time together in Cleveland. He highlighted LeBron’s remarkable commitment and enthusiasm for the game, even at this advanced stage of his career. LeBron’s continued dominance in the league is a testament to his dedication and athletic prowess. His ability to perform at such a high level, despite his age, is a source of amazement and admiration for many, including Blatt.
LeBron’s impact is not limited to the NBA. He has also made significant contributions on the international stage. Recently, he carried the USA flag during the Olympics opening ceremony, becoming the first men’s basketball player to do so for Team USA. LeBron expressed the immense honor he felt in representing his country on such a prestigious platform. He spoke about the profound significance this responsibility held for him personally, as well as for his family, teammates, and the broader community of aspiring athletes and supporters.
LeBron’s illustrious career is marked by numerous accolades and records. He is the all-time leading scorer in NBA history, a four-time MVP, and a four-time Finals MVP. Additionally, he has secured four NBA championships. His career averages are impressive, with 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game, accumulated during his stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers.
In summary, David Blatt’s reflections on LeBron James underscore the exceptional nature of LeBron’s career and his continued excellence in the NBA. Despite being the oldest player in the league, LeBron’s performance remains at an elite level, inspiring admiration and respect from peers and fans alike. His contributions to both the NBA and international basketball highlight his status as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
