LeBron: Cavs' coaching choice 'wasn't part of my process of coming back'

When the Cleveland Cavaliers hired David Blatt as the team's new head coach despite the job being linked to bigger names - like John Calipari - some expected it to be the final nail in the coffin of their hopes of luring LeBron James back to town.

Blatt has a history of success overseas, but his lack of NBA experience and name cache was expected to be a detriment in the pursuit of James.

As it turns out, not only did James sign with the Cavs, but the four-time MVP says the team's coaching decision didn't weigh into his decision to return.

"Him being here, it wasn't part of my process of coming back," James said, via ESPN. "Obviously I was excited once I made the decision to get to know him, get to know what he's about and it's been good so far."

James also added that despite his superstardom, he's still a coachable basketball player.

"I'm coachable. I'm very coachable, so it never really mattered to me. I don't go into it saying I know it all. Every coach and every guy has his own system, has what he believes in. So, I'm a very coachable guy. I believe I can help as well. I have a high basketball IQ as well, I think. But as far as picking a team or going somewhere because of a coach, it's never been my thing."

The Cavs open their preseason against Blatt's former team, Maccabi Tel-Aviv, on Sunday.

"I know what kind of basketball we're going to see from Maccabi. I know what to expect," Blatt said.

"As far as our game is concerned, you'll see certain elements of the European style in our game, certainly. That's a good thing. But you'll also see a lot of great NBA basketball, which I hope will be a big part of our game."