The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Trade request will define Altman’s early GM career
Koby Altman is learning to swim as an NBA general manager by being thrown into the deep end of the pool.
Altman has been the acting GM of the Cavaliers since former general manager David Griffin walked away five weeks ago after a meeting with team owner Dan Gilbert to discuss a new contract ended unsatisfactorily for Griffin.
Altman was officially named general manager on July 24.
“Over the past month, Koby Altman has led our front office group through this transition period, impressing many inside the franchise and outside the organization, as well,” Gilbert said in a statement. “We are very excited that he will now be officially leading the basketball side of our franchise. Koby has the credentials, knowledge, experience and instincts to be an outstanding general manager.”
Altman is facing a challenge Griffin never faced in three years on the job. Cavaliers’ All-Star guard Kyrie Irving reportedly asked Gilbert to trade him because he no longer wants to play with LeBron James.
The bombshell story that was broken on July 21 by ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has had major repercussions. The meeting between Irving and Gilbert reportedly happened two weeks ago, but it was topsecret until the Windhorst story went viral. According to Stephen A. Smith of ESPN, Irving suspects James leaked the story to the media.
How Altman handles the situation and what he can get for Irving, 25, in a trade will define his early career as general manager. He sounds confident he can handle his new responsibility.
“I am incredibly grateful to Dan for the opportunity to become general manager of the Cavaliers,” Altman said in a statement. “His confidence, support and strong commitment to achieving our collective goals is very clear to me and I look forward to continuing our efforts.
“I am also excited and proud to lead a front-office team that will continue to be sharply focused on competing for championships. That challenge is what drives all of us. Cleveland fans support the Cavs with passion, pride and loyalty. That’s something all of us here have a deep respect for and will never take for granted.”
Altman made no mention of the Irving crisis in the feel-good news release issued by the Cavaliers.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers reportedly have a deal with guard Derrick Rose.
Altman will have time to take one deep breath after trading Irving or brokering a truce between him and James before turning his attention to the next five-alarm fire. James can walk away as a free agent next summer.
“Koby will inspire and impact the best possible culture throughout the organization,” Gilbert said. “We are going to see a capable and passionate leader who will also cultivate new ideas and innovation.
“The speed of the game is ever faster on the court and in the front offices around our league. I am confident that Koby is equipped and prepared to lead and succeed in this dynamic environment.”
James has given no hint about his future plans. Numerous reports speculate he will sign with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2018-19 season.
Other front office moves will be announced soon, according to the Cavaliers news release.
Altman joined the Cavaliers as pro personnel manager in 2012. He was promoted to director of pro personnel in September, 2013. He was named assistant general manager to Griffin in September of 2016.
Reach Schudel at JSchudel@NewsHerald.com. On Twitter: @jsproinsider