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Vertical Pod with Woj: David Griffin

Cleveland general manager David Griffin joins The Vertical Podcast with Woj to discuss the Cavaliers' improbable NBA championship run.

In a wide-ranging discussion, Griffin talks about LeBron James’ imprint on the team, why the club thrived in crisis and the decision to make an in-season coaching change.

Griffin also talks about his own journey from PR intern to NBA executive, turning down GM jobs in Memphis and Denver before finally getting the opportunity to run the Cavs.

0:43: The importance and emotion of ending Cleveland’s championship drought.

6:27: The email Griffin sent to the entire organization after trailing 3-1 in the Finals.

12:21: James’ game-saving block against Andre Iguodala in Game 7.

13:13: How signing James changed expectations for coach David Blatt.

18:13: The long wait for James’ free-agency decision in 2014.

22:29: Turning down general manager jobs in Memphis and Denver.

26:06: Griffin's rise from media relations intern to the front office with the Suns.

30:14: Lessons learned from Bryan Colangelo.

34:48: Accepting the GM job with the Cavs and why the organization has succeeded.

37:08: The difficulty of working for the Suns when ownership wouldn’t spend to win a title.

43:52: The decision to fire Blatt.

48:50: Ty Lue holding players more accountable.

51:06: Does James signing one-year deals put pressure on the franchise?

56:16: The high level of scrutiny GMs face for each decision they make.

Click here to download the podcast on iTunes, or listen here or on Yahoo Sports.

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