CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Knicks backup center Lou Amundson experienced the Cavaliers’ locker room in its first three months under former coach David Blatt and smelled the foul aroma. Even though he was dealt to the five-win Knicks on Jan. 5, 2015, he was happy get out of Cleveland.
ESPN.com reported Blatt nearly was fired last season in December because some players, including LeBron James, were disenchanted with the coach. The ax fell on Blatt on Friday despite the Israeli legend having taken Cleveland to the NBA Finals last year and holding the best record in the Eastern Conference in this, his second season.
Before the Knicks’ 97-84 loss Saturday night to the Hornets, Amundson (who had two points and three rebounds in 13 minutes before fouling out in the fourth quarter) told The Post that Blatt didn’t command the respect of the locker room because he was too soft on James, among others.
“It’s hard for a rookie coach to come in and be in a situation like that where one guy [James] is such a big influence on a whole organization,’’ Amundson said. “That’s a tough position to be in. However, you need in that situation to be assertive and make sure your players know you’re going to hold them accountable, every one of them, and they’re going to respect you. In the NBA, coaching is more managing than coaching.
“It’s important to just be assertive and not let that happen. Hold everybody accountable, otherwise you lose respect and attention of your guys.’’
Amundson has been in plenty of locker rooms — the Knicks are his 10th team. He couldn’t believe, despite the horrendous record, the texture of the Knicks’ room was more closely knit than in Cleveland.
“It didn’t feel like it should feel,’’ Amundson said. “A team with championship aspirations, that’s not how it was supposed to feel. Teams go through ups and downs, but I just think the atmosphere and energy wasn’t there. It wasn’t a healthy atmosphere. Teams go through issues, but it still feels you work through stuff being productive. In that disagreement, it didn’t feel like that. But they did manage to get it together.’’
Amundson signed with Cleveland before last season because of Cavs general manager David Griffin, who was an assistant GM in Phoenix when Amundson played a big role with the Suns.
But Amundson didn’t know Blatt well.
“I wasn’t happy there. I felt like my presence and contributions weren’t really valued,’’ Amundson said.
Amundson felt Blatt was learning on the job.
“You need experience in the NBA,’’ said Amundson, who re-signed with the Knicks last July. “The European League is a different deal. You don’t play as many games. It takes an adjustment. On a personal level, I was happy to see some change [getting traded]. It turned out a great thing for me.’’
Knicks coach Derek Fisher was a teammate of new Cavs coach Tyronn Lue with the Lakers and isn’t surprised to see the journeyman point guard get promoted — with widespread reports saying Lue had James’ ear.
“The main thing for Ty Lue is relationships are really key to be in a leadership position,’’ Fisher said. “I think relationships are his strong point. He communicates well and is clear and articulates what he wants and expects. I think he’ll do a good job. I’m very happy for him, even though it’s an unfortunate situation for Coach Blatt.’’
Asked about his relationship with Carmelo Anthony, Fisher said, ”You have to learn what makes them tick, not just a franchise player, role player or rookie. It is really about that player’s makeup.”