Earlier today, news surfaced that the Chauncey Billups has withdrawn his name from consideration for the Cavs front office position. Reported by ESPN and HoopsHype.com, Billups stated, "As I have conveyed before, ultimately, I would like to lead a team's basketball operations and be a part of a successful franchise. But presently, the timing just isn't right to delve into that role with Cleveland. In the meantime, I will continue to focus on broadcasting and my other business endeavors". Also, according to ESPN's Jeff Goodman, sources told him that Billup's decision to withdraw his name from consideration was mostly based on staffing concerns and money disparity. While Cavs fans are desperately hoping that the Cavs find the right guy to man the helm soon, here is a look at five potential candidates that could fill the front office vacancy.
Justin Zanik
The former Assistant General Manager and Interim General Manager for the Milwaukee Bucks, Justin Zanik is looking for a role in a NBA Front Office after the Bucks organization decided at the last second to pick Jon Horst over Zanik after searching for a replacement for former General Manager Jon Hammond who took over the General Manager responsibility for the Orlando Magic. Before being the Assistant General Manager in Milwaukee, Zanik started as a Sports Agent before becoming the Assistant General Manager for the Utah Jazz where Zanik was instrumental in drafting Shooting Guard Rodney Hood and helping turn the Jazz into Western Conference contenders. Recently, Zanik was responsible for 2017 NBA Draft preparation and was key in the Bucks' selection of University of Michigan forward D.J. Wilson. The Cavs are likely familiar with Zanik as it was reported that Billups would bring Zanik along with him if he accepted the Cavs front office role, but even with Billups withdrawing his name from consideration, Zanik could still end up being a top candidate for the position.
Trajan Langdon
Most of us remember Trajan Langdon, the former Duke University guard selected with the 11th overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft by the Cavs. Following a successful playing career, both in the NBA and overseas, Langdon started his executive career, becoming a scout for the San Antonio Spurs. As we all know, R.C. Buford had a knack for grooming front office candidates, including Brian Pauga who recently was named the Director of Pro Personnel for the Minnesota Timberwolves following a seven year stint in the Spurs front office. After Assistant General Manager and former Assistant Coach for the Spurs Sean Marks accepted the General Manager position for the Brooklyn Nets, he wanted Langdon to join him as the Assistant General Manager and he accepted that role on March 8, 2016. Langdon may not have the wealth of experience that other candidates have, but the Cavs may be willing to take a chance on someone whom they are likely familiar with.
Joe Dumars
If Dan Gilbert continues to go back to his Detroit roots to find the replacement for David Griffin, Joe Dumars' name may be on the top of his list. Dumars, the Hall-of-Fame guard for the Detroit Pistons, excelled at his front office role with the Pistons, starting as the President of Basketball Operations in 2001. Dumars was an instrumental part of assembling the dominant Pistons team that ended up winning multiple Eastern Conference Championships and the 2004 NBA Championship. In 2014, Dumars stepped down from his President of Basketball Operations position, but continues to serve in an advisory role. Also, Magic Johnson placed Dumars as one of the top candidates for the Los Angeles Lakers General Manager position before eventually giving the position to Rob Pelinka. Dan Gilbert may be hoping that he convince Dumars to have a key front office role in the Cavs organization to have him lead the search to find the best players to fill out the Cavs rotation.
Mike Zarren
Mike Zarren is more of a behind the scenes guy that not many basketball fans know of, but the impact that Zarren was had on the Celtics organization has been remarkable. The Harvard Law graduate currently serves as Assistant General Manager and Team Counsel for the Celtics and has held this role for 10 years and is familiar with both the Business and Basketball Operations side which may attract Dan Gilbert. Zarren is widely regarded as a leader in statistical analysis and is also the Celetic's salary cap expert, an area which the Cavs would love his expertise in. Zarren was also considered for the Philadelphia 76ers General Manager position in 2013 before it was given to Sam Hinkie (Trust the Process!). It may be tough to convince Zarren, a die-hard, lifelong Celtics fan to leave the role that he has with his hometown team and reports say that he has already been incredibly selective in job openings, but Zarren will likely still be one of the first names that Gilbert calls to try to interview for the vacancy.
Troy Weaver
Last but not least, possibly one of the most experienced candidates for the opening, would be Troy Weaver. Weaver currently serves as the Vice President and Assistant General Manager for the Oklahoma City Thunder after spending 4 years in the Utah Jazz organization as both the Head Scout and Director of Player personnel. Weaver also spent time as an Assistant Coach in college basketball for 8 years, including stops at the University of Pittsburgh, the University of New Mexico, and Syracuse University. Weaver's area of expertise is certainly recruiting; he was instrumental in the recruiting of Carmelo Anthony while he was at Syracuse and Weaver was also the biggest supporter and backer of the Thunder taking a risk and drafting Russell Westbrook. Additionally, Weaver was a top candidate for the Atlanta Hawks General Manager position earlier this year and he already turned down an offer to become General Manager for the Utah Jazz because he wanted to stay in the Thunder organization. If Weaver takes the position soon, he would likely strengthen the odds of Carmelo coming to Cleveland and its hard to say, but should LeBron leave Cleveland next year and Kyrie demands a trade, he would be instrumental in ensuring the Cavs get a massive return. With his long list of successful experience in both college basketball and the NBA, Weaver should undoubtedly be one of the first, if not the first, candidate that Dan Gilbert calls.
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