ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported it is a "possibility, maybe a strong possibility," that Cavaliers GM David Griffin takes the position of Magic President of Basketball Operations following the season. Griffin "has interest" in the job, and the Cavs made a "curious decision to extend and pay everyone on their roster, including their head coach, Tyronn Lue, ... and not take care of their general manager." Windhorst: "It's not over. They could come to an agreement but the Magic are very interested in hiring Griffin. ... Unless something gets worked out, the Cavs could be looking for another general manager at the end of the season” (“SportsCenter,” ESPN, 5/1).
FRONT OFFICE ASPIRATIONS? Heat coach Erik Spoelstra last week said that "well down the road," he "could envision moving into" a Pat Riley-type role with the organization. Appearing on Yahoo Sports' "The Vertical with Woj" podcast with Adrian Wojnarowski, Spoelstra said, "I'd love to have that opportunity years down the line from the Arison family, because I believe in them so much as human beings." But Spoelstra, 46, also said that he is "comfortable in his current role" under Owner Micky Arison and Heat CEO Nick Arison, confirming that he "already has a seat in all organizational meetings" with Riley and GM Andy Elisburg (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 4/29).
INTO THE CROSSHAIRS: In Indianapolis, Gregg Doyel writes the Pacers are "at a crossroads, and if this thing ends badly," GM and new top decision-maker Kevin Pritchard will be the "one covered in tread marks." His franchise, his job and his career could be "demolished by the departure" of All-Star F Paul George in free agency. Pacers President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird yesterday confirmed he was stepping down from his position (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 5/2).
STAY IN YOUR LANE: In N.Y., Bob Raissman named Rockets Owner Leslie Alexander his "Dweeb of the Week" after he confronted a referee during the Western Conference Quarterfinal Game 6 against the Thunder last Tuesday. Alexander's actions were "cringe inducing." Raissman: "Not only that but when Alexander, a fellow who obviously knows better, becomes unglued, it incites fans to think it’s appropriate behavior." It also "marginalizes the authority of the officials" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 4/30).
