Koby Altman Hired as Cavaliers New GM

The Cleveland Cavaliers announced on Monday they have promoted Koby Altman to become their new general manager. He previously served as the team's assistant GM.

Adrian Wojnarowski‏ of ESPN first reported the hiring July 21.

“Over the past month, Koby Altman has led our front office group through this transition period, impressing many inside the franchise and outside the organization, as well," team owner Dan Gilbert said in the release.

"Koby has the credentials, knowledge, experience and instincts to be an outstanding General Manager," Gilbert added. "In addition to these positive attributes and outstanding relationships around the league, Koby will inspire and impact the best possible culture throughout the organization. We are going to see a capable and passionate leader who will also cultivate new ideas and innovation. The speed of the game is ever faster on the court and in the front offices around our league. I am confident that Koby is equipped and prepared to lead and succeed in this dynamic environment.”

Altman originally joined the Cavs organization in 2012 as a pro personnel manager after a two-year stint on the Columbia University coaching staff. He worked his way up the ranks of the front office to become the assistant to former general manager David Griffin last September.

Griffin left the franchise after the Cavaliers' loss to the Golden State Warriors in the 2017 NBA Finals. Team owner Dan Gilbert announced it was "mutually decided" to let his contract run out without an extension.

"On behalf of the entire organization, I would like to thank Griff for his leadership and many contributions during his time here, including most recently, his role in the franchise's first NBA championship," Gilbert said in a statement.

Cleveland superstar LeBron James posted a message on social media after the decision was made:

Now Altman steps into a role that's growing more difficult by the day.

On July 21, Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com reported point guard Kyrie Irving requested a trade from the Cavaliers during a meeting with team officials last week. His preferred landing spots include the San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks, Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves.

James' status is also a concern. A player option in his current contract gives him an opportunity to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2017-18 season. Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today noted Monday the game-changing forward is "frustrated and concerned" with the lack of offseason upgrades.

So, while Altman may inherit a roster with the foundation to contend for NBA titles, it could look a lot different one year from now unless he's able to work some magic.