Cleveland Cavaliers name Koby Altman as new general manager

The Cleveland Cavaliers named Koby Altman as general manager, the team announced Monday.

Altman has served as a member of the Cavaliers' basketball front office for the past five years, most recently as the team's assistant general manager. He has also led the team's front office for the last five weeks.

"Over the past month, Koby Altman has led our front office group through this transition period, impressing many inside the franchise and outside the organization as well," Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert said.

"We are very excited that he will now be officially leading the basketball side of our franchise. Koby has the credentials, knowledge, experience and instincts to be an outstanding general manager. In addition to these positive attributes and outstanding relationships around the league, Koby will inspire and impact the best possible culture throughout the organization. We are going to see a capable and passionate leader who will also cultivate new ideas and innovation."

The 34-year-old Altman joins Milwaukee Bucks GM Jon Horst as the NBA's youngest executives.

"I am incredibly grateful to Dan for the opportunity to become general manager of the Cavaliers. His confidence, support and strong commitment to achieving our collective goals is very clear to me and I look forward to continuing our efforts," Altman said. "I am also excited and proud to lead a front office team that will continue to be sharply focused on competing for championships. That challenge is what drives all of us.

"Cleveland fans support the Cavs with passion, pride and loyalty. That's something all of us here have a deep respect for and will never take for granted. We will always work hard and search for creative ideas that will impact our success on the court and in the community."

Altman joined the team in August 2012 as a pro personnel manager and was elevated to director of pro player personnel in September 2013.

He has served as the Cavaliers' acting general manager since Gilbert decided to move on from David Griffin after the two failed to reach an agreement on a contract extension.

Gilbert reportedly offered the president of basketball operations position to retired NBA star Chauncey Billups, who decided to pass. Gilbert has had his sights set on promoting Altman to the post ever since, per ESPN.