Cavs GM adamant Blatt will remain coach

The Cleveland Cavaliers are getting a lesson in what the Miami Heat experienced in four years with LeBron James. What he says is parsed and what he doesn’t say is examined for more meaning, often creating mini-dramas. It took some time but the Heat figured out how to minimize the distractions. The Cavs are learning.

Cavs general manager David Griffin told news reporters Sunday that David Blatt’s job as coach is 100% safe and was never anything less than that. He said it with conviction and annoyance.

“This narrative of our coaching situation is truly ridiculous. ... It’s a non-story, a non-narrative. Coach Blatt is our coach. He’s going to remain our coach,” Griffin said. “Do not write that as a vote of confidence. He never needed one. It was never a question. So don’t write it that way.”

A minute later he said, “That narrative is done. No change is being made. Period.”

Griffin didn’t need to speak with reporters — though they have clamored to talk to him — but it was the right thing to do for Blatt, who is in first NBA season after a successful career in Europe, for the team struggling at 19-15 and for the franchise that hasn’t always been a model of patience and understanding under owner Dan Gilbert.

Griffin was miffed about an ESPN report that suggested Blatt didn’t have the full support of players, namely James, who uttered lukewarm support of Blatt, and reports that Blatt’s job security was unstable.

“It’s such a ridiculous assertion. It seemed giving life to it is what would happen by talking about it. So I didn’t want to do that,” Griffin said. “At the same time, it’s just time for everybody to get on with it. We have a chance to galvanize ourselves and grow and move in a positive direction, so I want to make sure we’re doing that in a fresh environment.”

The Cavs have been slowed by key injuries, defensive struggles, a tough schedule and a rebuilt roster. But patience rarely beats instant gratification, especially with James involved.

“This is a really difficult recipe to get right,” Griffin said. “Everybody needs to just settle down and let it happen.”