Cavaliers GM Griffin: 'I have concerns [about our] ability to protect the rim'
Cleveland Cavaliers general manager David Griffin admits his team has issues on defense, but says it's not just his new star who needs to make it a priority.
"I have concerns [about our] ability to protect the rim, and that's not just a Kevin [Love] question," Griffin said on FOX Sports Radio Thursday. "I don't have any concerns about Kevin's ability to be in the right place at the right time [on defense]."
The statement comes two days after Minnesota Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor questioned Kevin Love's defensive commitment following Love's departure in a three-way trade that was finalized last weekend.
Griffin said Love has been making an effort to improve in that area.
"[He's] been really open about the fact that he’s bringing a focus to that end of the floor that maybe he didn’t before.”
Sure, the Cavaliers made some enormous moves in the offseason (adding LeBron James in free agency and re-signing Kyrie Irving before agreeing on the blockbuster Love deal), but the team's defense in the front-court remains a concern.
Veteran reserve Anderson Varejao, forward Tristan Thompson and center Brendan Haywood will be counted on along with Love to lock down opposing scorers in the paint.
[H/T Pro Basketball Talk]