New Orleans Pelicans EVP David Griffin appears to be back tracking on comments he made to Sports Illustrated about his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Specifically in reference to one LeBron James.
Griffin made headlines after telling Sports Illustrated that James’s desire to win a championship was not the same after he and the Cavaliers delivered the city its first major pro championship in 52 years back in 2016.
Griffin specifically saying,
“There wasn’t a lot else for him [James]. I don’t think he’s the same animal anymore about winning.”
That quote caused quite a stir in NBA circles, and particularly struck a chord with James, who was said to be,
“…shocked,”
at Griffin’s comments.
Griffin appeared on ESPN’s The Jump on Friday in an attempt to clarify those comments he made in the explosive article.
The Pelicans executive tells the show that his comments were made based on the premise that James and his team would not have the same desire to win a championship after accomplishing such a massive feat.
Griffin goes on to say that that theory was unfounded given the subsequent Finals appearance James made after his departure.
He appears to try and take ownership of not getting the Cavaliers prepared to adequately deal with the subsequent season after winning a title and wants to apply those lessons moving forward with the Pelicans.
Regardless, Griffin’s wondering aloud publicly about James’s desire to win a championship has seemed, in part, to awaken the three-time NBA champion James as he referenced on Twitter.
Only time will tell how not only Griffin, but James himself move forward after the latest episode of ‘As The NBA World Turns’.
Flip the page to see Griffin’s full remarks.