One of the most memorable experiences of David Griffin’s career as an NBA executive occurred during the summer of 2016, after he helped lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to the franchise’s first championship. Griffin remembers emotional Ohio natives approaching him to express their gratitude for the Cavs bringing a pro sports championship to Cleveland, which hadn’t happened since the 1964 Browns. That drought had become so lengthy, some locals wondered if they’d live long enough to ever witness a title.
“Generations of people came up to me, literally in tears, (to say thank you) for delivering a championship for their grandparents to see,” Griffin recalled Wednesday.