David Blatt to leave Tel Aviv

Maccabi Tel Aviv won the Israeli league title on Wednesday in dramatic fashion, but there has been a side story surrounding the clubs’ triumphs of late. The future of head coach David Blatt has been a hot topic as the coach has been repeatedly linked with franchises in the NBA. The US native has now confirmed that he will indeed leave the Israeli powerhouse and pursue his dream of coaching in the NBA.

And according to the 55-year old the move is all about dreams and nothing else. In a press conference held just days after Tel Aviv’s overtime title success, Blatt confessed his will to leave and said it was not necessarily to go to a better place.

“The truth is that I don’t know yet where I am going… I’m not leaving Maccabi for a bigger contract. I’m not necessarily leaving for a better place, I’m leaving to follow my dream.”

Of course, a lucrative contract in the NBA will not hurt, but for a Boston born American/Israeli, coaching in the NBA will undoubtedly be the pinnacle of a career. He of course leaves Maccabi Tel Aviv in rude health, with the club still celebrating winning the Israeli league and cup, as well as the Euroleague. It has been an historic campaign, but the giant club will be reeling by the departure of the man that has guided the team for the last four seasons.

As for his future, David Blatt was tight lipped other than to say recent rumours surrounding his next job were true, but he really did know where he would end up. He has been consistently linked with the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks, and the Milwaukee Bucks. Any of those franchises could be Blatts next destination, and the organizations will feel the tactician has paid his dues in the cauldron of European Basketball.