David Blatt Backtracks, Calls Stephen A. Smith "One Hell of a Guy"

After blasting ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith as “clueless”, the former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach David Blatt took a step back praising Smith as “one hell of a guy.”

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Interviewed by Israeli sports journalist Ouriel Daskal at Calcalist’s Forecasts 2019 conference in Tel Aviv on Monday, Blatt called Smith “clueless”, referring to several comments made by the ESPN commentator favoring 2018 first draft pick DeAndre Ayton. Dončić, he said, was “hands down the best player in the draft.”

Smith responded to Blatt’s initial statements on Twitter.

Are you willing to call your friends with the Kings clueless for taking Bagley at No. 2 instead of Doncic? Good to hear from you sir!

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) January 3, 2019

The Israeli-American basketball coach was asked about the comment in a press event following the 79:65 victory of Greek EuroLeague team Olympiacos which he coaches over fierce rival Panathinaikos, currently coached by former NBA and NCAA coach Rick Pitino. Smith, Blatt said, is “really a good guy.”

Blatt added that his statements always get put “on Twitter” and then are echoed to him “from all over the world.”

“He's a great guy, you can write it on Twitter,” Blatt added.