David Blatt helped lead the Cavaliers an an Eastern Conference-best 30-11 record before getting fired Friday. But his replacement, Tyronn Lue, still wants Blatt on the bench for the NBA All-Star Game next month.
"I talked to P.J. Carlesimo about it this morning, and I told him I think Coach Blatt should coach it," Lue said Saturday (via ESPN.com). "The NBA has been trying to work around some different things for the All-Star Game, and he's done a great job here. We're first in the East, and I think it would be sweet if Coach Blatt could coach the All-Star Game one last time."
However, if the Cavs are still atop the conference after Jan. 31 and Blatt doesn’t want the All-Star gig, Lue will happily take the responsibility.
"I'm open to do it because I think the rest of our staff deserves it," Lue said. "We all put in hard work, and we've all helped Coach Blatt in every way we could, and he was our leader. But if they wouldn't let him do it, I think it's deserving that our coaching staff should be able to do it."