David Griffin believes Anthony Davis is 'open to staying' with Pelicans, asks if he's all-in
The New Orleans Pelicans officially introduced David Griffin as their president of basketball operations Wednesday.
The former Cleveland Cavaliers general manager takes over one of the NBA’s hottest story lines in what will happen to superstar Anthony Davis. Davis made a trade demand midseason and there’s expected to be a bidding war for the center.
Griffin wants to establish Davis’ commitment
Griffin has not yet spoken with Davis, per Will Guillory of The Athletic, but has a plan moving forward after speaking with Davis’ agent, Rich Paul. Griffin shared thoughts during a press conference introducing him.
Griffin says he believes AD is open to staying after discussions with Rich Paul. But he would prefer to establish if Davis is all-in or all-out on being with the Pelicans
— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) April 17, 2019
Griffin says he's committed to convincing Anthony Davis this is a place where he can win
— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) April 17, 2019
Griffin mentioned a “long successful history” with Rich’s company, Klutch Sports, per Andrew Lopez of the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
David Griffin: "Rich Paul and I were part of succeeding. They will understand when I say this, 'You are either all the way or all the way out.'"
Griff going strong here. He believes Anthony Davis will want to stay.— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) April 17, 2019
Griffin was the Cavaliers general manager during their 2016 NBA championship and lured LeBron James back home from the Miami Heat. He was the runner-up for the 2015 NBA Executive of the Year award.
Griffin ready to build with Holiday
Griffin said he committed to New Orleans because he believed in owner Gayle Benson.
The new head of basketball operations said he had spoken with 10-year veteran Jrue Holiday, who he said he “absolutely” considers to be a foundation building block for the franchise.
David Griffin: I'm excited about the young guys and a player on our that exemplifies who we want to be in Jrue Holiday.
— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) April 17, 2019
The point guard played the last six years of his career with New Orleans, averaging 13.4 and 5.8 assists.
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