Trade Deadline Day Indians
July 31, 2017The return of Joe Smith
July 31, 2017The Cleveland Cavaliers appear to be in disarray despite front office proclamations that they are not. David Griffin departed, Chauncey Billups turned down an offer to be the team’s president, and eventually, owner Dan Gilbert was somewhat forced to name 34-year-old Koby Altman the general manager, a guy who was third in line under Griffin last season.
Altman had been in charge of the general manager duties since the day Griffin was let go but wasn’t officially given the job until a press conference last Wednesday. But, prior to that, former Cavs forward not only retired, but was hired to be the Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Phoenix Suns. That immediately begged the question from many Cavs fans: Why wasn’t Jones considered for not only the Cavs general manager opening, but for a spot somewhere in Cleveland’s front office?
According to cleveland.com’s Joe Vardon, Gilbert and company considered Jones for a job in the front office and there was mutual interest, but the 36-year-old decided that he wanted to return to Phoenix, where he spent two years of his playing career with the Suns from 2005-07. Per Vardon, the decision had nothing to do with the turmoil that has somewhat occurred with the Cavs this summer, but just the fact that he wanted to return to the Suns. With Phoenix’s weather along with the young talent that the Suns have, who could blame him?
One of LeBron James’ teammates since James decided to join the Miami Heat in 2010, the two are very close. So close that Jones followed No. 23 to the Cavs went James came home in 2014. Having made seven-straight Finals appearances and winning three championship rings together, the two have been by each other’s side for the past seven years.
Although he has no experience in the front office, Jones will likely be a great hire for the Suns and could climb up the front office ranks very quickly. With his knowledge of the game, along with basically being a player-coach on the bench over the past year or two for the wine and gold, there’s a reason why he has so much respect from players, coaches, and front offices across the league. Champ would have been a great addition to the Cavs’ front office, but sometimes, players just want to go home. If anyone knows that kind of feeling, it’s Cavs fans.
9 Comments
Somewhat reassuring, I guess
Bestie w/ LeBron flees rather than signing to be in our FO, so pardon me if I am not reassured π
Think his presence in Phoenix in any way affects a potential Irving package?
LeBron should know if it is possible to get what we want but that’s probably it.
…to go to preferable city, not necessarily situation.
DAVID GRIFBERT SCREWED IT UP AGAIN!
First, Varejao. Then Shapiro. Now Champ. Our Mole: Infiltrate, Learn, F*** S*** UP, or MILF SUP operation is shaping up beautifully.