Rumor: Charlotte Hornets contacted former Cavs’ GM David Griffin
The Charlotte Hornets have reportedly approached former Cavs’ GM David Griffin about their vacant general manager position.
According to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, David Griffin “was contacted, and there was a dialogue” between the former Cleveland Cavaliers‘ GM and the Charlotte Hornets. The Queen City team continues to search for a new general manager after firing Rich Cho mid-season. Griffin is one of the biggest names available for a front office position.
Despite the contact between the two sides, Kyler added that “it’s unclear where things stand with Griffin and the Hornets” and that “he may not be a serious candidate.” The reason for this is because Charlotte may be unwilling to give David “complete control.”
Based on his past accomplishments and the Hornets’ need for a good GM, I don’t understand why they wouldn’t want to give him complete control over the franchise. The only reason that I could think of is that Michael Jordan wants the next general manager to groom assistant GM Buzz Peterson (Woj) so that he can take over in a few years and have Peterson remain a strong voice in major decisions.
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While with the Cavs, he signed LeBron James in 2014 and helped bring Cleveland their first ever NBA Title in 2016. Griffin is a proven winner and could bring that same level of success to Charlotte. Or, at the very least, help them get out of their current salary cap situation and give the team a sense of direction going forward.
The Hornets are in a bad spot considering their current roster that is made up of aging veterans on large contracts and not too many young prospects outside of Malik Monk. Not only are they struggling to find an identity but their lack of success is a major concern as well. Charlotte’s only had three postseason appearances since 2004 and haven’t won a playoff series since 2002. They also have a very poor draft record despite having multiple high picks.
Although Griffin didn’t make his name as an excellent decision maker in terms of draft selections, he has a great history of success. In his three seasons as the Cavaliers’ GM, the team not only made it to the playoffs all three years but they also made it to the NBA Finals. While a lot of that is attributed to LeBron James, it still speaks to how successful David’s teams have been with him at the helm.
Former Los Angeles Lakers‘ general manager Mitch Kupchak continues to be the clear frontrunner for the Hornets’ job. A few other names have been gaining momentum after Charlotte was given permission to interview three other candidates which include Adam Simon (Miami Heat assistant GM), Gersson Rosas (Houston Rockets EVP of Basketball Operations) and Marc Eversley (Philadelphia 76ers VP of Player Personnel).
Next: How Charlotte should handle the rest of the season
Another big name who could be an option for the Charlotte Hornets is former 76ers’ general manager Sam Hinkie. Although, nothing yet has linked the two. If David Griffin is brought in, he would be a huge get for the Queen City team but it looks like him getting the job will come down whether MJ is willing to give him full control or not.