The top 10 NBA general managers of the last decade - RC # 1

[peacemaker885]

http://tinyurl.com/kosuvq
By Kelly Dwyer

RC is number 1

1. R.C. Buford, San Antonio Spurs

We don't know how much impact Gregg Popovich has had on Buford's wheelings and dealings, and R.C. has had help (current Oklahoma City GM Sam Presti was on his payroll for years). Buford also had nothing to do with the acquisitions of David Robinson (1987) or Tim Duncan(notes) (1997).

But there's no denying Buford's impact on the Spurs' rise to power this decade. Even though he technically wasn't the team's personnel boss (that would be Popovich) when the Spurs drafted Manu Ginobili(notes) (2000) or Tony Parker(notes) (2001), he was the man who recommended the franchise take both future All-Stars.

Buford's also emblematic of an organization that, from the owner on down, works together to sustain a winner, and stay frank and honest with themselves. Not a lot of game-playing in San Antonio, besides the 82 (and many, many extra playoff contests). They work from October until spring. Call it a symbolic choice, rail on me for not picking the lone GM gunslinger, despise the fact that, over 10 years after winning their first championship, the Spurs are still contenders under Duncan.

Do what you want. Organizations do win championships. The players are part of the organization, and the players need help. The executives need help, too, in the form of the expert player. The Spurs get this. Owner Peter Holt gets this, and Buford gets this. Unafraid to ask for help, unafraid to chase down a winner. And the results (the playoffs in every year, four championships overall, three during the decade in question) speak for themselves.

So I'll shut up.

[21_Blessings]

Hahaha. How are you going to put Otis Smith above Kupchek when he was swindled for Trevor Ariza?

[ambchang]

Signing Bynum to that contract alone pushes Kupchak down.
But I Otis Smith should have been penalized for that Lewis contract, too.

[21_Blessings]

Signing Bynum to that contract alone pushes Kupchak down.
.

Look how dumb you are.

[anonoftheinternets]

Look how dumb you are.

says the sucker who lost the argument.

[21_Blessings]

You can't even argue that retarded point when Bynum hasn't even played under that contract yet.

[ambchang]

But ... he ... still ... signed ... it ... right?

[anonoftheinternets]

You can't even argue that retarded point when Bynum hasn't even played under that contract yet.

what about vujacic? the collective contracts of bynum, vujacic almost lead to the lakers unable to hold on to Lamar. That vujacic signing alone hangs like an albatross over his head.

[HarlemHeat37]

If you believe that the Gasol trade was a legit trade that didn't involve extortion or planning(I'm not one of those people), then Kupchak has to make the top 3..that was highway robbery if you're looking at it from a legit perspective, which would be stupid, but nothing else we can do without proof..if they don't make the Gasol trade, they would have continued to have been an irrelevant team the past 2 years..

[21_Blessings]

what about vujacic? the collective contracts of bynum, vujacic almost lead to the lakers unable to hold on to Lamar. That vujacic signing alone hangs like an albatross over his head.

Scola :lol :lmao :lol :flag:

[024]

what about vujacic? the collective contracts of bynum, vujacic almost lead to the lakers unable to hold on to Lamar. That vujacic signing alone hangs like an albatross over his head.
don't forget about luke walton! he's getting near the MLE too, with pay raises for the next four years.

[CubanSucks]

Big Buf!

[da_suns_fan]

What?! No Steve Kerr?!!

[da_suns_fan]

Can I get on record as stating that Im not a fan of the Jefferson trade and think Spurs fan will regret it as well?

[Muser]

Can I get on record as stating that Im not a fan of the Jefferson trade and think Spurs fan will regret it as well?

Why would we regret getting rid of a 36 year old, a 38 year old and a 34 year old with a heart problem for a player who can score 20 + on any given night?

[JMarkJohns]

What, no Kerr? :shootme

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

What, no Kerr? :shootme

Kelly Dwyer wrote it, not Sam Presti.

[da_suns_fan]

Why would we regret getting rid of a 36 year old, a 38 year old and a 34 year old with a heart problem for a player who can score 20 + on any given night?

Since you ask..

He can score 20 points, but he'll need 20 shots. He'll take away shots from Ginobili, Duncan and Parker who all shoot at a much better percentage.

Also, he doesn't provide anything but scoring. He cant drive to his left and doesnt create well for others. He's an average defender and wont get away with half the stuff Bruce Bowen tried. He cant or just doesnt rebound.

On top of all of this, his huge contract is essentially putting all of the Spurs eggs in one basket. His numbers will inevitably go down since he's going to be playing in the Spurs' half court system and theres three other all-stars who take plenty of shots. This is gonna make him virtually un-tradeable.

If the Spurs wanted someone to create offense, Jefferson isnt the one to do it. If they wanted better role players, there were better, cheaper options like Trevor Ariza (who defends, hits the three and rebounds better than RJ).

To show Im not just being a hater, I'll tell you that youre gonna love McDyess and I think he will be perfect for the Spurs. I loved him BOTH times he played for the Suns, and the only thing youre going to regret is that you didnt acquire him sooner!

[TheNoMan]

Can I get on record as stating that Im not a fan of the Jefferson trade and think Spurs fan will regret it as well?

No

[JMarkJohns]

Kelly Dwyer wrote it, not Sam Presti.

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[EricB]

Only a Suns fan could see fault in the Richard Jefferson trade.

[Sigz]

Andrew Bynum is a fucking bitch.

[Muser]

I find it funny how some fans think Popovich will allow Jefferson to take a lot of shots away from other players.

Also think of who he's replacing, Michael fucking Finley.

[TimDunkem]

I find it funny how some fans think Popovich will allow Jefferson to take a lot of shots away from other players.

Also think of who he's replacing, Michael fucking Finley.

[ChumpDumper]

He can score 20 points, but he'll need 20 shots.Jefferson scored 1.32 points per shot last season, which was slightly higher than Tim Duncan -- so he needs about 15 shots to score 20 points.

[21_Blessings]

So you think a 23 year old will play harder to "earn his contract" when he hardly showed flashes at 4 million dollars a year?

I don't think Bynum, or any 23 year old kid, is motivated enough to work hard for money they will get whether they suck or put up 20 and 10. Now had he been on a smaller contract with shorter terms he would work harder to get that large contract. But 14 million a year for 4 years for someone who hardly averages a double-double? Not a good idea.

I could be wrong. He could come back and be a big time player next year. He certainly is better than a lot of young centers in the NBA, but in terms of either or both of the season and post season Bynum is way over paid.

Bynum is turning 22.

Hardy shown flashes? Bynum was playing like a top 5 center in the NBA the last two seasons before he went down with his freakish injuries.

I'd rather be paying Bynum 12.5 next season than 14 to a one-way player like Richard Jefferson. Big men in this league get overpaid. But in Bynum's case if he plays like he was before he was injured then he would be earning his money.

Regardless, Bynum's contract value is a complete non-issue. Buss is more than willing to pay the luxury tax.

[21_Blessings]

How is Bynum's contract going to "limit" the Lakers long term? They're already capped out the next 3 years with or without Bynum's salary. Team option the 4th season.

[SouthTexasRancher]

Bynum is turning 22.

Hardy shown flashes? Bynum was playing like a top 5 center in the NBA the last two seasons before he went down with his freakish injuries.

I'd rather be paying Bynum 12.5 next season than 14 to a one-way player like Richard Jefferson. Big men in this league get overpaid. But in Bynum's case if he plays like he was before he was injured then he would be earning his money.

Regardless, Bynum's contract value is a complete non-issue. Buss is more than willing to pay the luxury tax.


21_blessings, you always seem so angry and unhappy. Maybe some mail order Viagra and a bunch of them Extendz they are always advertising on Speed TV could help you out. Also try dating females instead of those boys you keep picking up on Sunset Blvd.

Hope this helps! :ihit

[c@t]

And, no, we're not going to mention Pavel Podkolzin (http://www.thetwomangame.com/tag/donnie-nelson/).

Why not, that almost became one of the most highlighted spots in Donnie's managing career. I can only digest it as a joke to name Donnie as the top 3 managers of last decade alongside Dumars and RC, both of whom also have equivalently shinning spots for their respective curriculum vitae like the billups trade and scola trade. Kupchak is badly underrated on this list IMHO, the single trade of Gasol is already more than enough to make up for all his faults like siging Sasha and Bynum on outrageous contracts.

[da_suns_fan]

I find it funny how some fans think Popovich will allow Jefferson to take a lot of shots away from other players.
Also think of who he's replacing, Michael fucking Finley.

There are only so many shots taken in a game.

If Jefferson isnt taking them, then he provides the Spurs nothing for 14 million a season. If he is taking his usual amount, than its a mathematical certainty that someone else will have to take less.

[anonoftheinternets]

There are only so many shots taken in a game.

If Jefferson isnt taking them, then he provides the Spurs nothing for 14 million a season.

he is viewed strictly as an upgrade to bowen/finley sf combo. He has not been brought in for his 14 million a season role. The nature of the league (thanks to the gasol trade) is that you need to get over qualified players so they act as insurance or can come up big in a crunch. The spurs will use him as a workhorse in the regular season, and in the PO he will be played like a mid cap player. Again, the overpayment is a necessary evil.

[da_suns_fan]

he is viewed strictly as an upgrade to bowen/finley sf combo. He has not been brought in for his 14 million a season role. The nature of the league (thanks to the gasol trade) is that you need to get over qualified players so they act as insurance or can come up big in a crunch. The spurs will use him as a workhorse in the regular season, and in the PO he will be played like a mid cap player. Again, the overpayment is a necessary evil.

Except it wasnt necessary. As I pointed out, there were cheaper options such as Trevor Ariza who would have been an upgrade over the Bowen/Finley sf combo. In fact, the Spurs could have probably gotten a pure shooter for end game situations as well and still had money left over.

I dont know what you mean by "work horse", but you later state that he will be used as a mid-cap player in the PO (which implies that this is different that a "work horse"). I think you are implying that Jefferson will carry more of the offense during the regular season and less in the playoffs.

I dont think that stradegy helps the Spurs win. If Jefferson was capable of carrying an offense, why did Milwaukee lose so much? Jefferson is best as finishing and needs a pure-pass PG to be the most effective. He's not gonna be able to score a lot of points when Parker and Ginobili are on the bench because he needs others to create his shots for him. But the paradox is that you would rather have Parker and Ginobili shooting when they and Jefferson are in as they shoot at a much better percentage.

I just dont like the move and think the Spurs will regret it. Especially considering the price tag.

[da_suns_fan]

Only a Suns fan could see fault in the Richard Jefferson trade.

:lol

Maybe. But I would rather play the Spurs with Jefferson versus the Spurs with Bowen and Oberto. Im sure Steve Nash is happy.

[da_suns_fan]

Since you ask..

He can score 20 points, but he'll need 20 shots. He'll take away shots from Ginobili, Duncan and Parker who all shoot at a much better percentage.

Also, he doesn't provide anything but scoring. He cant drive to his left and doesnt create well for others. He's an average defender and wont get away with half the stuff Bruce Bowen tried. He cant or just doesnt rebound.

On top of all of this, his huge contract is essentially putting all of the Spurs eggs in one basket. His numbers will inevitably go down since he's going to be playing in the Spurs' half court system and theres three other all-stars who take plenty of shots. This is gonna make him virtually un-tradeable.

If the Spurs wanted someone to create offense, Jefferson isnt the one to do it. If they wanted better role players, there were better, cheaper options like Trevor Ariza (who defends, hits the three and rebounds better than RJ).

To show Im not just being a hater, I'll tell you that youre gonna love McDyess and I think he will be perfect for the Spurs. I loved him BOTH times he played for the Suns, and the only thing youre going to regret is that you didnt acquire him sooner!


Only a Suns fan could see fault in the Richard Jefferson trade.

I. Freaking. Told. You. Guys.

[Spurs Brazil]

props to you da_suns_fan

Holt is paying 14 million to a playoff choker

[HarlemHeat37]

I already gave some love to da_suns_fan for RJ a few months ago, he did call it..unlike most of the other haters that didn't give any analysis, he gave his, and it turned out to be correct..

However, Jefferson's jump shot disappeared this year after he had his best shooting year of his career last season..it turned out to be an anomaly, but I could see why the FO did it..

They still gave up nothing and probably couldn't have gotten a better player for that package..hopefully they can flip him now..