If you thought Timofey Mozgov and Kyrie Irving were the only players to do commercials and have TV spots, think again. Cavs head coach David Blatt has also gotten in on the action recently by introducing a new commercial for the NBA in Israel, the country which he coached most of his career in.
Five-time Israeli League Championships, four-time Israeli League Coach of the Year, as well as the 2014 Euroleague Champion and Coach of the Year, David Blatt is beloved in Israel. It’s only right, that he translate that fame and success into the NBA in a way different than coaching.
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Because of the time difference, many Israelis are still sound asleep during most of the Cavs games. In the commercial Blatt was in for the NBA, he goes to people’s bedside and gently wakes them up to let them know that the Cavs are playing. Watch the spot and get the translation below:
“Shalom (hello), this year as well I’m glad to wake you up earlier in the morning (in Israel to the Cavs games. At the last scene he says to the boy: “Hey, wake up, Lebron is waiting!”
Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com reported this interesting stat on Cavs games last season:
Blatt said about 75 percent of the Cavs’ games last season, including every playoff game, were broadcast live even though that meant the middle of the night in Israel. The games were also available on tape delay, but a number of fans still woke up to watch the games live.
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Blatt talked about the overwhelming number of Cavs fans in Israel, especially with the addition of LeBron and him coaching the team.
“The interest in the Cavaliers in Israel is overwhelming,” Blatt said. “Someone came up with a great idea for that commercial, which is particularly fitting. It’s been a hit, fortunately. Just really happy and proud of the people in Israel for taking interest in what we’re doing here and really following the Cavs and supporting the Cavs.”
We’ll take all the fans we can get this season here at Cavs Nation as we try to end the city’s 50 year championship drought.
