On the evening of Friday December 15, 2023, Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations, Koby Altman, was arrested and charged with OVI (operating a vehicle impaired).
After being stopped for swerving and almost causing an accident on the road, Altman was faced with both a walk-and-turn and a one-leg-balance sobriety test. Having struggled completing these tests effectively, and subsequently refusing to take a breathalyzer test, Altman was placed under arrest and charged with both committing a marked-lane violation and an OVI. How will this Koby Altman situation affect the Cleveland Cavaliers?
Altman and Cleveland
Altman joined the Cavalier’s staff back in 2012 and was able to ascend pretty quickly. Having already been made director of pro personnel by the time the 2016 NBA Finals rolled around, he would go on to become assistant general manager the following year and full-time general manager the year after that. Eventually, in early 2022, he would climb to the position of President of Basketball Operations.
What is the President of Basketball Operations?
While the role of President of Basketball Operations is largely subjective in its duties dependent upon the franchise, it remains consistent that the president has a large hand in constructing the team’s roster. Cleveland currently has Mike Gansey as their general manager, so unlike teams such as the Boston Celtics would be, with Brad Stevens named president and acting as both president and general manager, the Cavaliers aren’t entirely out a manager because of this situation if they do choose to cut ties with Altman.
Similar instances
Being arrested for driving under the influence is unfortunately not uncommon amongst NBA staff and players. It does support the idea that Altman will likely stay on board with Cleveland, though. Dennis Rodman, Scottie Pippen and Carmelo Anthony have all been caught driving under the influence. It’s safe to say that, although facing consequences, their careers were just fine.
Cleveland’s response and looking ahead
The Cavaliers, via Adrian Wojnarowski, responded to the situation as follows:
“We are aware of an incident involving Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman. We are currently gathering more information and have no further comment at this time.”
It’s unclear whether the Cavaliers will keep Altman under employment or let him go, but regardless this shouldn’t have a significant impact on the basketball played on the court. It could lead to a change in the kind of players signed and traded, but the effectiveness of which wouldn’t be able to be determined until we’ll later on. His contract is through the 2027-28 NBA season, so even if he were fired the decisions made in his absence would probably only be beginning to show how effective they truly are by that point.
He did, however, lead the helm of the post-Lebron rebuild and managed to turn the team around rather quickly. He’s also been a part of the organization since 2012, so it could lead to unforeseen changes in the dynamics of the front office. Whatever happens with the Koby Altman situation, you can be sure to read about it here.
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Featured photo courtesy of NBA.com
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