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'The future is really, really bright': Cleveland Cavaliers GM Koby Altman optimistic about team at year-end media conference

Altman talked about Kevin Love's future, his job status, and more during a Zoom conference on Friday.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — 12 days after the end of the Cavaliers' season that saw them finish 22-50 and miss the postseason for the third straight year, general manager Koby Altman met with the media via Zoom. 

Despite the Cavs' poor record, Altman remains convinced that the team is on the right track.

"The future is really, really bright," he said, noting the encouraging performances from young players like Collin Sexton, Darius Garland, Isaac Okoro, and Jarrett Allen. "These guys are hungry. Now that talent has to translate to wins."

For those who are growing impatient with the slow process of rebuilding, Altman had a message: "We know fans want winning basketball again. We ask for patience, but we're going to get better next year and we are set up for sustainable success."

Below are some of the key points addressed by Altman during his talk with reporters:

Kevin Love

As far as Altman is concerned, the Cavs would like to keep the five-time All-Star around.

"I think he can really help us. He was never fully healthy this season and probably came back too soon, even though he missed 40 games."

Altman believes the biggest growth from Garland this season was when Love returned to the team and was able to help space the floor. 

"He needs to get right," Altman said of Love's health. "This is a significant offseason for him, but I think he has a place here with us. We need veteran leadership."

Altman also said that the team reprimanded Love internally for his tantrum last month in Toronto. Love slapped a ball on the inbound, putting it into play. The Raptors quickly took possession and nailed an easy three-pointer.

Altman's job status

After another subpar season, some were wondering if Altman might be on the hot seat. He said that he has never had any such discussions with team owner Dan Gilbert, but did disclose that the two have had candid talks.

"I've been here over ten years and I know my guy pretty well," the GM said of the owner.

"We're three short years removed from four straight Finals," Altman noted, adding that at the time of LeBron James' departure in 2018, the team was void of young talent and draft assets. 

"We've done remarkably well," Altman said of the team's rebuilding process.

Kevin Porter Jr. and Andre Drummond situations

Altman was pressed as to why the Cavaliers couldn't make it work with two key players this season: youngster Kevin Porter Jr. and two-time All-Star center Andre Drummond. 

Porter was dealt away in January to the Houston Rockets amid reports that he "began yelling and at one point threw food" after discovering that his locker had been given to veteran forward Taurean Prince. Porter had been away from the team since he was arrested and charged with improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle, along with failure to control and misdemeanor possession of marijuana after his 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE suffered apparent rollover damage on Interstate 76 in Mahoning County. Those charges have since been dropped.

Porter averaged 16.6 points per game for Houston and scored 50 points and recorded 11 assists in an April 29 game against the Milwaukee Bucks. He became the youngest player in NBA history to have 50+ points and 10+ assists in a game.

So why didn't it work out for Porter in Cleveland? Altman would not answer in specifics.

"It wasn't for a lack of effort by both parties," the GM said. "I think the change of scenery was needed for both parties. We wish him nothing but the best in Houston."

The Drummond case is even more complicated.

The Cavaliers acquired Drummond at the trading deadline last season prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 25 starts this season for the Cavs, the 27-year-old averaged 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds. However, once Allen was acquired, Altman said the team felt it was best to move on.

"It's very transparent that when you go out and trade for a future franchise center, there's going to be some tension there," explained Altman. "We tried to make it work, actually. We brought Jarrett off the bench, we actually tried to start both of them together and it didn't work."

Altman said the Cavaliers and Drummond came to the mutual agreement for him to sit out, which lasted for a period of about six weeks until a buyout agreement was reached on March 26.

RELATED: Cleveland Cavaliers and Andre Drummond agree to buyout

"Nothing was done wrong to him," said Altman.

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