INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- David Griffin has been elevated to acting general manager of the Cleveland Cavaliers with the release of Chris Grant. The former right-hand man of Grant has been with the Cavaliers since September 2010 – shortly after Grant took over as general manager.

Griffin came to Cleveland after 17 seasons with the Phoenix Suns.

Griffin was senior vice president of basketball operations with the Suns for three years prior to his departure. He had been with Phoenix since 1993, when he joined as an intern. He worked for four seasons in the media relations department, then worked his way to the basketball side, holding titles of video preparation, scouting reports and statistical analysis, assistant general manager of player personnel, director of player personnel, assistant director of player personnel and basketball operations assistant.

Griffin, who is said to be well-respected throughout the league, is a Phoenix native who graduated from Arizona State with a degree in political science.