Eastern Notes: Blatt, Anderson, Hawks

Echoing the sentiment expressed by many around the league, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra expressed concern and seemed shocked over the firing of former Cavs coach David Blatt, Ethan J. Skolnick of the Miami Herald relays. It is uncommon for Spoelstra to make any sort of comment that has any connection to LeBron James, as Skolnick points out.

“It’s very disturbing for the coaching profession,” Spoelstra said. “Look, you have to be able to go through collective adversity and accountability together, for you to make strides, and have breakthroughs in this league. It’s really a shame. He had an incredible run, a great record. It just doesn’t make any sense to any of the coaches around the league, and hopefully it doesn’t make sense to a lot of people in our league.” 

Here’s more from around the Eastern Conference:

• Alan Anderson, who has yet to play for the Wizards after signing a one-year, $4MM deal in the offseason, has increased his workload and that suggests his first full practice with Washington is not too far away, J. Michael of CSNMidAtlantic.com details. Anderson is still wearing a soft cast, however.
• The Sixers are 5-8 and have experienced an uptick in scoring since acquiring Ish Smith and Celtics coach Brad Stevens isn’t surprised the point guard has provided Philadelphia a lift, Kevin O’Connor of CSNNE.com relays. “He’s always been a guy that gives people fits because of his speed and because of his ability to get inside the teeth of the defense,” Stevens said to reporters Sunday. “He’s really ignited their offense here. That’s clear.”
• Hawks point guard Jeff Teague attributed his down season, which he is experiencing one year after he made his first All-Star appearance, to an ankle injury, Chris Vivlamore of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution writes. Teague has lacked consistency and over the past seven games he has 34 assists and 18 turnovers, Vivlamore points out.