Unser Chat » the only team. Pressing a transistor radio

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- Like most kids growing up near Boston, David Blatt lived and breathed the Celtics. They were his team, the only team. Pressing a transistor radio against his ear, Blatt listened as legendary announcer Johnny Most described how Bill Russell grabbed rebounds and when John Havlicek "stole the ball!" At an early age, he was hooked on hoops. "I kind of had that NBA dream in my ear and in my heart," Blatt said. And now, its back in his life. Blatt was introduced Wednesday as the new coach of the Cavaliers, a team in transition as it prepares to select first in the NBA draft and make a strong run at LeBron James, the soon-to-be free agent who has several other teams making moves to try and get him. Blatt spent the past two decades in Israel, where he developed into a top international coach. Now, after winning numerous titles across Europe and guiding Russia to a bronze medal in the 2012 London Olympics, Blatt is ready to take on the challenge of coaching on pro basketballs biggest stage. It was time to make the jump, and the Cavs helped Blatts overseas leap. "Absolutely its a challenge," Blatt said of his upcoming transition. "But Ive got to tell you, the game is not so different as people think it is. Its a little bit longer here. Perhaps the level of athleticism and speed all around the court is different. But its not like playing baseball and soccer. Its still the same game." Blatt isnt hung up on labels or perceptions. He doesnt consider himself an Israeli coach, European coach or any type for that matter. He doesnt favouroffence over defence. "Im a basketball coach," he said, "someone who through teaching and working with people and getting the most out of my players and staff has always seen the success of the team as paramount." The Cavaliers spent nearly six weeks looking for their third coach in three years before hiring Blatt, who recently resigned as coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv, a squad he led to this years Euroleague title. Cavs general manager David Griffin said Blatt was one of "five or six" candidates who had full-blown interviews and the club contacted as many as 11 coaches. "Hes truly the embodiment of every characteristic we most sought in a coach," Griffin said. "Hes a guy who has passion, creativity and intelligence. As a coach, hes able to adjust in ways that make him special because of those things. He lives those things as a man as well. Because of all that, the players all feel him in a very powerful way. David is an authentic leader." The team hired finalist Tyronn Lue as an associate head coach under Blatt. Blatt understands theres a responsibility that comes with being the first at anything. He believes other European coaches are as qualified to coach in the NBA, but hes the one getting the chance. "I know Im carrying the torch, and I hope like hell I dont drop it," he said. "I dont plan to. It does mean a great deal." Blatt was charming, convincing and self-effacing during a 30-minute news conference at Cleveland Clinic Courts. Blatt said he had previous chances to come to the NBA, but the timing wasnt right. "Somebody told me the reason I did it is because I missed Boston lobster and macaroni and cheese," he cracked. "Theres something to that, honestly." Blatt is taking over a team that went 33-49 last season and underachieved for Mike Brown, who was fired on May 12, ending his second stint in Cleveland. Blatt believes the Cavs have the pieces to be a contender, and that its up to him to put them together. And that would be the case in any country. "I find a group of guys that want to be coached, that want to learn, that care about winning," he said. "Those are things I have to emphasize with them, that I have to strengthen and help them understand the right way to do it. "Ive coached enough great players in my life to know when guys are happy playing together and are seeing that doing it the right way brings and fosters the spirit you need to win, it doesnt make a difference where you coach." Blatt feels hes finally where he belongs. He had a great run overseas, but it was time to come back to where he started. It was time to come home. "I was happy and fulfilled in what I was doing," he said. "But I never, for a moment, lost the hope that I would come full circle and make my way back to the places where I grew up and to be part of something that was so much a part of me." Byron Murphy Jersey . Jamies number grades given are out of five, with five being the best mark. 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Hakeem Butler Jersey .com) - The Ottawa Senators will try to keep their slim playoff hopes alive when they face the Chicago Blackhawks who are trying to secure their place in the post-season.RENTON, Wash. -- As was the case for most of the season, the Seattle Seahawks will be without wide receiver Percy Harvin for the NFC championship game. Seattle coach Pete Carroll said after practice Friday that Harvin had not cleared league-mandated protocols for concussion testing and would not play Sunday against San Francisco. Harvin suffered a concussion in last weeks playoff win over New Orleans and did not practice all week. Harvins loss subtracts a significant playmaker from Seattles offence heading into the game against the 49ers. "Its super disappointing for Percy," Carroll said. "He wants to play. You can see it. He played his tail off when he had his chance. Just unfortunate circumstances." Harvin suffered the concussion late in the first half while jumping for a pass in the end zone and hitting his head on the turf as he was hit by New Orleans safety Malcolm Jenkins. It was the second big hit Harvin absorbed in the game. He was belted by Rafael Bush on Seattles opening possession, a hit that drew a 15-yard penalty. Harvin brought a jolt of energy and excitement to Seattles offence before being injured. Harvin had three receptions and had a 9-yard run on his lone carry against New Orleans. He also drew attention and made Seattles offence function better. The Seahawks had 163 yards of offence in the first half and 114 yards in the second half. Harvin was in for 19 offensive plays against the Saints. Seattles offence got comfortable not having Harvin around during the regular season, so missing him in the NFC title game is not a huge adjustment. "Yes, without a doubt I believe these receivers can get it done. I think weve been able to prove that throughout the season," Seattle wide receiver Doug Baldwin said. "Obviously, we would have loved to have Percy on the field not only because hes a great football player, but hes a great teammate and hes been trying so hard to get back on tthe field.dddddddddddd But we have more than enough and guys that are capable of getting the job done." Missing the conference title game is another blow in an injury-filled first season for Harvin in Seattle. First came hip surgery in early August that sidelined him for the first 2 1/2 months of the regular season. Then after Harvin made his debut in Week 11 against Minnesota, he was sidelined again by a buildup of fluid around his hip and soreness. It got to the point that Carroll and the Seahawks were ready to put Harvin on injured reserve following the regular season finale against St. Louis. Harvin asked for a second chance and responded well enough that he remained on the active roster and became a major part of Seattles game plan against the Saints. Seattle will get linebacker K.J. Wright back after hes been out since fracturing his foot in Week 14. Wright was injured against the 49ers but worked diligently rehabilitating his foot after having surgery to insert a screw to stabilize the fracture. Wright worked extensively in the pool to keep his conditioning up, then specifically focused on cuts and quick movements when the foot had healed to the point where he could run on the ground. "No, Im not 100 per cent coming off an injury, but at the same time (Im) football ready. This is the NFC championship, the stakes are high so Im going to have to suck it up and play football," Wright said. "I tried to get back for the Saints game. I was like, I have to get back and help this team but theyve done just fine. I couldnt let this opportunity get away from me. I made sure I worked my butt off to get back." Wright said he didnt think he would start and he wasnt sure how many plays he would get. Malcolm Smith has been starting while Wright was out. "It depends on how Im feeling, it depends on how the game is going," Wright said. "Theres a lot of variables that can go into it." 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