The Cleveland Cavaliers announced earlier today that they were parting ways with GM David Griffin, despite having been to three consecutive NBA Finals and winning the 2016 title, along with the NBA draft taking place later this week.
Owner Dan Gilbert released a statement saying that the two sides “mutually decided to not extend David’s current contract.”
Already, there are names being floated around as to his potential replacement. One name stands out in particular, and would be an interesting choice – former Detroit Pistons 2004 Finals MVP Chauncey Billups.
Adrian Wojnarowski, editor of TheVertical.com, reported that Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert is considering Billups as the next President of basketball operations and assist in the hiring of a new general manager.
Sources: Cleveland owner Dan Gilbert is targeting Chauncey Billups to become Cavs' top basketball executive. Sides expected to talk soon.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 20, 2017
Billups currently serves as an NBA analyst on ESPN. He played 17 seasons in the NBA and was a five time All-Star. He helped lead the Pistons to the 2004 title, upsetting the heavily favored Los Angeles Lakers. He’s also friends with Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue.
Although Billups has no front office experience, it wouldn’t be the first time that his name has been floated around as a potential NBA executive. Earlier this year, he was rumored to be in the discussion to take over as the GM of the Atlanta Hawks, though they ultimately decided on Travis Schlenk.
Replacing an executive that helped lead a team to three consecutive Finals appearances and a championship with a former player that lacks any front office experience certainly would be a gamble for the Cavaliers, especially with star LeBron James set to hit free-agency next summer.
