June 10, 2010

(Cleveland, OH) - Former USD men's basketball player Chris Grant '94 received good news this week when he was promoted to General Manager for the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers organization. Grant, who becomes the ninth general manager in team history, was introduced at a media gathering this past Tuesday by Cavs owner Dan Gilbert.

Stated Gilbert at the news conference, "Chris is not what you'd call a classic rookie GM. He's very experienced and we feel very good about him. He's very creative and smart and was instrumental in a lot of the things we've done."

The promotion is somewhat bittersweet for Grant who has become well known and respected by his peers throughout the league. He replaces friend and mentor Danny Ferry, who stepped aside as GM after five years. Additionally, one of his first major tasks will be in finding a new head coach after friend and former USD teammate Mike Brown was let go.

During his time as an assistant to Ferry and later as vice president of basketball operations, Grant was the lead person when it came to college scouting and running the Cavs' draft preparation. He was also involved in player contract negotiations.

Prior to joining the Cavs in 2005, the 38-year-old Grant spend nine years with the Atlanta Hawks, where his last position was vice president of basketball operations and assistant general manager. Chris and his wife Kelly have two sons, Cameron and Boden.