NBA: Griffin & Cavs part ways, Clips go West and Kerr to explore medical options

Cavs, GM Griffin to part after 3 straight NBA Finals trips
TOM WITHERS, AP Sports Writer

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Cavaliers and general manager David Griffin have decided to part ways following three consecutive trips to the NBA Finals.

Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert said in a statement Monday night that the Cavaliers will not extend Griffin’s contract when it expires June 30.

Gilbert said the team was not ready to name a replacement.

Hall of Famer Jerry West joins Clippers as consultant
JILL PAINTER LOPEZ, Associated Press

PLAYA VISTA, Calif. (AP) — Hall of Famer Jerry West, fresh off helping the Golden State Warriors win another NBA championship, is now officially a consultant with the Los Angeles Clippers.

The former longtime Lakers player and front office executive credited Clippers coach Doc Rivers, Executive Vice President Lawrence Frank and owner Steve Ballmer with convincing him the other team in town was the right fit.

West called leaving Golden State one of the “saddest days of his life” because he thought he might be done. West had been with the Warriors since 2011 and the team has won two NBA titles during his time in the Bay Area.

The Clippers found a need for his help, and he found a new challenge. The Clippers have yet to win an NBA championship or advance to the Western Conference Finals.

Warriors’ Kerr to pursue more answers for health issues
JANIE McCAULEY, AP Sports Writer

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr will be given time throughout the summer to explore medical options that could alleviate the symptoms he still experiences nearly two years after a spinal fluid leak from back surgery.

General manager Bob Myers said Monday that Kerr would have time off as needed to find more options to better his long-term health, and Kerr said he would be traveling to do so. The GM said: “I think at the point we’re at now, it’s what makes you 5-10-15 percent better? And that’s what he’s going to pursue and explore with our blessing.”

The 51-year-old Kerr returned from a six-week absence for Game 2 of the NBA Finals and coached the rest of the way as Golden State won its second championship in three seasons. He stepped away after Game 2 against Portland in the first round of the playoffs.

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