Ice Cube says Chauncey Billups is the next Cavaliers GM
The Cleveland Cavaliers have a new general manager in Chauncey Billups, if you believe Ice Cube.
Rapper and entertainer mogul Ice Cube (and creator/founder of the BIG 3 3-on-3 basketball league) told TMZ on Wednesday that Chauncey Billups has accepted the Cleveland Cavaliers open general manager position.
Billups originally committed to play in this summer’s BIG 3 league and was slated to captain the league’s Killer 3’s team, along with former player Steven Jackson.
“It was the Killer 3s for a minute but since Chauncey took that job, it might change,” Ice Cube told TMZ.
The news doesn’t come as a major shock, league insiders have projected Billups to Cleveland ever since former GM David Griffin’s contract was not renewed.
As was expected, Dan Gilbert interviewed Chauncey Billups for the Cavs GM vacancy in Detroit today, sources tell ESPN.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) June 20, 2017
Griffin is leaving the organization after three consecutive NBA Finals appearances and the franchise’s first and only title.
Billups, while not having any formal front office or talent evaluation experience, did lead the Detroit Pistons to an NBA championship in 2004 — so that’s kinda comparable.
Cavaliers multi-billionaire owner Dan Gilbert was born and raised in the Motor City and has some apparent ties to Billups.
Billups will look to recenter the Cavaliers after their 4-1 dismantling in the NBA Finals. It will be no easy task.
The first move will likely be deciding how to get over the Warriors hump by adding talent with such limited resources.
Griffin’s dismissal comes in the midst of ongoing discussions about acquiring either the Bulls’ Jimmy Butler or Pacers forward Paul George’s expiring deal. No word exactly on how far along those trade talks progressed or where they stand now.
Either way, Billups has large shoes to fill — metaphorically speaking.
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As for Ice Cube’s new league, losing Billups might be a big blow. Billups was one of the bigger names to agree to play this summer, but Ice Cube says he’s happy for him.
If the BIG 3 league struggles after losing Billups, Ice Cube will be alright. He has a promising career as an NBA news breaker.
Look out Woj!