The Cleveland Cavaliers and general manager David Griffin parted ways Monday night. According to Adrian Wojnarowski, Detroit Pistons’ legend Chauncey Billups has already emerged as a candidate to replace him.
Chauncey Billups has been a man in high demand this year. After the Detroit Pistons‘ legend signed a multi-year contract with ESPN, he emerged as a candidate for the Atlanta Hawks general manager job. When the Hawks opted to go a different direction, it seemed as though Billups would have to wait until next year for a shot at a GM job.
It turns out he won’t have to wait long after all to compete for an NBA general manager position. After the Cleveland Cavaliers unceremoniously moved on from their general manager David Griffin, Billups is among the early candidates to replace him according to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical.
Sources: As David Griffin departs as Cavs -- "Just couldn't agree on future," source says - Chauncey Billups expected to emerge as candidate
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 19, 2017
Griffin’s contract expired this offseason and the Cavs made no moves to extend him, nor did they allow other teams in search of a general manager to contact him regarding their open jobs. The Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks and Hawks all had interest, but Cavs owner Dan Gilbert refused to allow them to consider him for their openings.
No 2 ways about it: Dan Gilbert screwed over David Griffin. Could have let him go to ATL, ORL, or MIL if he wouldn't pay him. Now too late.
— Nate Duncan (@NateDuncanNBA) June 19, 2017
The Cavs could have informed him that he would no longer be retained after the season, allowing him to take a job elsewhere. That would have allowed them to hire a new general manager faster as well, rather than leaving that spot vacant less than 72 hours shy of the start of the NBA draft in the feeding frenzy of asset movement which kicked off this weekend.
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If this treatment of Griffin is any indication of what may lie in store for a future general manager of the Cleveland Cavaliers, it may be problematic for their reputation. That said, fans of the Detroit Pistons revere Chauncey Billups and will wish him the best of luck. Unfortunately for Billups, working for Dan Gilbert, he may need it.