Cleveland president of basketball operations Koby Altman and coach JB Bickerstaff sold Danny Green on the opportunity that exists to bolster the Cavs’ bench as a 3-point shooter and defender. He also will deliver his respected leadership to a gifted young roster trying to make a return and run in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Koby Altman Rumors
“We just didn’t feel like anything was going to really move the needle for us,” Altman said shortly after Thursday’s 3 p.m. buzzer. “Scoured the market and talked to every team I could. We could have made a move that was lateral, multiple moves that were lateral, that I didn’t think appreciably made us better. I really wanted to see what this group looked like together, fully healthy.”
Danny Cunningham: #Cavs President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman on sitting out the trade deadline: “You could make deals, you can. There’s things you can land the plane on. Don’t just do something to do something. Let’s be very, very intentional with what we’re doing.”
“I am thrilled and honored once again to be a formal part of the Cavaliers family,” Varejao said in a release from the team announcing the hire. “This is a unique opportunity to start a new chapter of my life with the team I love and in the city I love. I want to thank (chairman) Dan Gilbert, (president of basketball operations) Koby (Altman) and (Rock Entertainment Group and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse CEO) Nic (Barlage) for welcoming me and my family back to Northeast Ohio with open arms. I am truly excited to be back here where it all started and contribute to growing the game of basketball in areas that hold a meaningful place in my heart.”
What was your reaction when you learned about Cleveland trading you to Utah? Lauri Markkanen: It was 10:30 at night, and I was with the Finnish national team. We were playing the next morning against Israel in the first game of EuroBasket. We were just playing video games and saw the news that Cleveland got Donovan Mitchell. We were excited. But I joked, ‘We’ll see who is a part of the deal.’ But the initial report didn’t have any names on who was traded. I wondered if I was a part of it. Then, 20 seconds later, [Cavs general manager Koby Altman] called me. Then, I put it together.
03 Sep 22
