Kevin Love is Here and He’s Not Going Anywhere by Michael Cousins

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been a team of additions this off-season. Besides the great additions of LeBron James, Kevin Love, Mike Miller, James Jones and Shawn Marion, with Ray Allen possibly waiting in the wings, the Cavs have made other solid additions to the franchise. Adding Tyronn Lue and Larry Drew to first year NBA Head Coach David Blatt’s staff were both huge additions. Placing a great deal of NBA experience on his staff will only quicken his transition.

Now comes a report that the Cavs have added former NBA player Raja Bell to their front office staff:

Raja Bell has joined Cleveland’s front office. The longtime NBA player will be the Director of Player Administration for the Cavs. Congrats! — Adam Kuperstein (@AKuperstein) August 28, 2014

Bell’s connection with the Cavaliers is clear: GM David Griffin. Griff was working with the Phoenix Suns when Bell was there. Now he has joined Griff in Cleveland. Griffin’s connection to players seems obvious. The team seemed to improve last year when he took over and came down to talk directly with and to the players. Griff’s relationship with Marion also played a role in getting The Matrix to Cleveland. Having James and a Championship level roster didn’t hurt.

Cleveland has 3 drawing cards on the court to bring in high level players in Irving, James and Love. They also have Griffin as a drawing card to the front office with his high level of respect around the league. Coach Blatt’s international experience and relationships should give the team the edge there and owner Dan Gilbert’s deep pockets, and willingness to spend, will give a trump card in most negotiations that don’t involved the salary cap.

All and all the Cavs continue to just rack up talent. Bell will take care of the players off the court things for the team. Director of Player Administration is a vague title but generally Bell will take care of travel plans, ticket requests and things of that nature. His experience in the NBA means he will understand what the players need and want.

What do you think of the Cavs’ new ability to draw talent on all levels of the organization?