King James Gospel
Fansided

Raw Talent or Locker Room Leaders? The Cleveland Cavaliers Need Both.

By Eliana Brown

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 8: Cleveland Cavaliers during the national anthem before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 8, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 8: Cleveland Cavaliers during the national anthem before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 8, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
CLEVELAND, OH – FEBRUARY 18: General Manager David Griffin of the Cleveland Cavaliers talks during a press conference prior to the game against the Chicago Bulls at Quicken Loans Arena on February 18, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – FEBRUARY 18: General Manager David Griffin of the Cleveland Cavaliers talks during a press conference prior to the game against the Chicago Bulls at Quicken Loans Arena on February 18, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

David Griffin: The Master of Chaos

Griffin had not only gained respect around the league for his savvy trade moves and gutsy decision-making in Cleveland, he also became an expert in managing team problems that went beyond just basketball talent.

Griffin was trusted by the entire organization and he had a unique ability to navigate player egos and uneven team dynamics. He was able to listen to James but not be overpowered. He made a controversial decision to a fire a coach mid-season because it was evident his players did not connect with him and he saw the value in bringing in steady veterans like Channing Frye and Kyle Korver.

Just like the Cavs, Griffin never has been one to shy away from drama. He even used it as a way to motivate the team after losing to the Warriors in Game 4 of the 2016 NBA Finals. In their book, Return of the King: LeBron James, The Cleveland Cavaliers and The Greatest Comeback in NBA History, Brian Windhorst and Dave McMenamin recap the email exchange:

"WE HAVE SEEN NBA HISTORY IN THE MAKING EVERYDAY HERE. It’s not “why not us?” It’s “What the [expletive] else would we do?” We love it harder. We love it RECORD-SETTING. You know in your hearts and in your minds we have been the NBA DRAMA KINGS since we came together. I bet you can, and I’d love for you to add to this HISTORICAL DATABASE. What else speaks to you about the RECORD-SETTING insanity that has been YOUR CLEVELAND CAVALIERS!"

The Cavaliers have embraced the inevitable chaos before, but without Griffin, it begs the question: Can the NBA Drama Kings make another Finals run if their front office is not willing, or ready, to embrace it as well?