Its been a disappointing season for the Cleveland Cavaliers, as their 16-33 record has them sitting in 11th place in the NBA’s Eastern Conference. Their current six-game losing streak appears to be the final straw as owner Dan Gilbert announced today that the team is relieving general manager Chris Grant of his duties, effective immediately.
“This has been a very difficult period for the franchise,” Gilbert said in a statement released by the team. “We have severely underperformed against expectations.
“Just as this is completely unacceptable to our loyal and passionate fan base, season ticket holders and corporate partners, it is also just as unacceptable to our ownership group. I can assure everyone who supports and cares about the Cleveland Cavaliers that we will continue to turn over every stone and explore every possible opportunity for improvement to shift the momentum of our franchise in the right direction.”
Grant latest moves have all turned out to be questionable. It has been well documented that first overall pick Anthony Bennett is having the worst rookie season of any top pick ever. Free agent signing Andrew Bynum was a disaster and quit on the team. Free agent signing Jarrett Jack has been less than advertised, and the recent trade for Luol Deng has done little to improve the Cavs on the court. And with that Grant is out and the search for a new general manager begins in Cleveland.
“My entire focus the past eight years has been on trying to build a team that can contend and win and provide Cleveland fans the success that they deserve,” Grant said. “I have a tremendous appreciation for the players that are here and the coaches that I have worked with, as well as our front office. I thank them for all of their dedication and commitment to the Cavaliers.”
The team announced that assistant general manager David Griffin will take over the role of general manager on an interim basis.
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Main Photo Credit: David Anderson
