Griff on 710AM in LA
- When asked about what went on in June to result in him walking away, he stuck with the "mutually agreed it wasn't a fit anymore" story but hinted at "all situations having private things that never get out and he'd like to keep it that way"
- On does Kyrie get traded: "very real chance when a player of this caliber is on the market you're going to get offers that compel you to make the move" Basically spoke like he was still GM on this one, in the sense that he didn't give credence to any idea of devalued market because of the trade request being public.
-sidesteps any talk of issues between Kyrie and LeBron on a personal level and doubles down on it's about Kyrie looking to take the next step in his career as a franchise leader himself vs. any personal beef(of course their may be beef now post Griff's exit as a result of the trade request and the fallout from that)
-doesn't give any real insight on if LeBron is staying or leaving next year
-gives Bron a ton of credit for not making demands, not playing GM, and just wanting to lead his troops. Calls him best basketball mind on any level he's ever been around. Went out of his way to combat that perception that LeBron throws his weight around as a GM type. Came off as more of a defense or LeBron than trying to get credit for his own work.
-when prompted about small markets and the DPVE, says market doesn't matter, but rather do you build great relationships and environment that are strong enough to make guys want to stick around? Mentions how Team USA has had a big impact on players getting close and putting their own teams together(specifically referencing GS
-host asks what team is best suited to currently beat GS. Griff says that nothing lasts forever and that if you only try to beat GS, by the time you assemble that team you might be chasing someone else. Says long, versatile athletic wings and good shooting team absolutely helps though. His main point is you have to build a team that can sustainably win playing almost every style of opponent possible. Hints at thinking Cavs were/are nearing end of that window(which I'd interpret as a commentary about lack of assets left to replenish the well on athletic wings - didn't sound like anything that had to do with Kyrie or LeBrons future)