David Blatt: podcast appearances and interviews

David Michael Blatt is an Israeli-American basketball professional with a career spanning playing and coaching. Born on May 22, 1959, he played as a point guard at Princeton University from 1977 to 1981 and represented the United States in the Maccabiah Games, securing a gold medal in 1981. He then played professional basketball in Israel for nine of the following twelve years before an injury forced him to end his playing career, after which he transitioned into coaching. Blatt is recognized as one of the most successful Israeli-American coaches in European basketball history and has received numerous coaching awards. He was named Israeli Super League Coach of the Year four times, in 1996, 2002, 2011, and 2014, the Russian Super League Coach of the Year in 2005, and EuroLeague Coach of the Year in 2014. During his coaching career, Blatt gained prominence in North America when he became the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, leading them to the NBA Finals in his first season and to the top of their conference the following year. His coaching achievements also include guiding teams in European leagues, reflecting a distinguished and influential presence in international basketball.