Report: Cavs Brass Wanted Brock Aller to Stay, Gave Him ‘Honest Assessment’ of Knicks

A new report indicates that the Cleveland Cavaliers reluctantly allowed capologist Brock Aller to pursue an executive position with the New York Knicks, and made sure that he was aware of the often-chaotic culture of the Knicks front office.

Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com offered a look at the process of how the Knicks sought the services of Aller. During the time that Aller was considering whether or not to take the job, he made a number of phone calls to see if it was a good fit.

“Cavs general manager Koby Altman was one of those calls,” Fedor wrote. “Altman made one thing clear: He wanted Aller to stay. However, Altman also said he wasn’t going to stand in the way of what he viewed a great step in Aller’s career. Altman just wanted to make sure the responsibilities fit Aller’s skill set, that New York would value him the same way Cleveland did. Other members of the Cavs’ brain trust, whom Aller grew alongside, gave an honest assessment of the Knicks’ situation while offering support to their friend. Some of Aller’s old front office teammates from the last decade provided needed background information. Aller talked with Gilbert, who had spent time with controversial Knicks owner James Dolan at various league meetings.”

Aller now serves as the Knicks’ vice president of basketball and strategic planning after having seen his importance with the Cavs grow during his time with the team.

One of Aller’s most important duties with the Cavs was serving as the team’s capologist during the team’s string of four consecutive Eastern Conference titles.

The individuals who had tried to steer Aller from taking the Knicks job pointed out the fact that the team has been floundering since the 2013-14 season, including two seasons with less than 20 wins.

In addition, Knicks owner James Dolan has had countless controversies in regard to his running of the team.

The Knicks’ continuing futility has been seen as a key reason why the team has been unable to sign any major free agents. That’s despite the team’s ability to pitch playing in a major market that holds the promise of plenty of endorsement opportunities.

Aller began his new job at the start of May, embracing the legacy of some great Knicks teams but mindful of the challenges ahead.

The good news for the Cavaliers is that they’ve created a deep front office that should be able to fill the gaping hole left by Aller’s departure.