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]