GM: Kyrie Irving not consulted
— -- INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers' new general manager says All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving had nothing to do with coach Mike Brown's firing.
David Griffin was promoted from interim GM on Monday by owner Dan Gilbert. He says Irving was not consulted on Brown's future and any insinuation that Irving pushed to have Brown fired is "patently false."
Brown was dismissed for a second time by the Cavs, who went 33-49 this season and missed the playoffs for the fourth straight year. Brown previously coached the team from 2005 to 2010, guiding Cleveland to the Finals in 2006-07, LeBron James' fourth season with the Cavs.
Griffin has begun looking for the team's third coach in three years. He did not mention any potential candidates and says there is no timetable to make a hire.
He has ties to former Suns executive Steve Kerr, who is one of Knicks president Phil Jackson's top choices to take over in New York. Griffin also has worked with Mike D'Antoni and Alvin Gentry. Other coaches who could get consideration for the Cavs opening include Mark Jackson and George Karl.
Brown had four years remaining on his $20 million contract. Brown, who was fired last year by the Lakers five games into his second season, could not be reached for comment.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
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