The Cleveland Cavaliers are still searching for a new president of basketball operations, as former Detroit Pistons star and current ESPN analyst Chauncey Billups told ESPN that he is withdrawing from consideration for the job.
“I have great respect for Dan Gilbert and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and I greatly appreciate the discussions we had regarding their organization,” Billups told ESPN. “As I have conveyed before, ultimately I would like to lead a team’s basketball operation and be a part of a successful franchise. But presently, the timing just isn’t right to delve into that role in Cleveland. In the meantime, I will continue to focus on broadcasting and my other business endeavors.”
Billups was previously considered the frontrunner for the job, despite having no front office experience. Why did he decide against the Cavs? Possibly because the franchise is cheap.
Can confirm Chauncey Billups decision to withdraw his name from Cavs president of basketball ops job. Had been leaning that way for a while.
— Jeff Zillgitt (@JeffZillgitt) July 3, 2017
The strategy of hiring former basketball people with no front office experience hasn’t always worked out well, as New York Knicks fans can attest following the Phil Jackson era. However, it’s clear that there will be interest in Billups when he does decide to make the leap.
As it stands, the Cavaliers still don’t have a president, even in the midst of free agency. The new president will have to work to keep LeBron James, who wasn’t happy with former general manager David Griffin’s firing.
[ESPN]
