| Who Will Be The Hawks New GM? Authored by Patrick J. Austin - May 15, 2008 - 7:54 pm
| Current Featured Columns | | The First Three Weeks of 2008-09 Now that we’ve had a little time to watch free agency unfold, along with the usual accompaniment of trades, let’s look at some of the key moves and how they impact the teams involved.
Grading The Deal: W's Sign Maggette And TuriafThe Boom Dizzle era is over, and the Warriors quickly recovered by signing two nice pieces to complement their young core.
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The owners have done a good job of keeping the interview process hush-hush so far. Of course, some notable names have been tossed around as potential candidates. For a moment, let’s look at who the Hawks could (and should) hire...
Dream GM:
Jerry West
I know, I know this is the longest of long shots, but I still like to imagine what this team might look like if West had rebuffed the Grizzlies GM position and taken the job with the Hawks.
West was considering Atlanta, but the team was fully embroiled in the ownership feud and didn’t look as attractive as it does today. I wonder if West has another executive go-around left in him. He’d lend immediate credibility to the franchise and provide the Hawks with one of the most astute basketball minds on the planet.
But I am a realist, so I understand the chances of West being named GM are slim to none.
Likely Candidates:
Tommy Sheppard, Vice President of Basketball Administration of the Washington Wizards
Sheppard is an inspiration to all RealGMers out there who dream of one day becoming an NBA GM.
He was never a good basketball player, topping out as a high school point guard and he doesn’t have any experience scouting or coaching. His background is predominantly in public relations.
"He’s a good people person and this is a people business," said Ernie Grunfeld, Sheppard’s current boss in Washington, according to SI.com. "He was around the game a long time, he knew lot of people in the game. And he has a good eye, a good feel for the game."
Sheppard began his foray into the executive world as the Media Relations Director for the Nuggets in 1994. He was also put in charge of player relations. In 2003, Sheppard wanted to be promoted to a basketball operations position, but Denver never offered. As a result, he joined the Wizards working side-by-side with Grunfeld.
Essentially, Sheppard knows how to interact with others. If he becomes the Hawks GM, he’ll certainly be more affable and outgoing than the aloof Knight. We could definitely use that type of personality to help reconnect the team with the Atlanta fan base.
The primary drawback of hiring a guy like Sheppard would obviously be his lack of basketball knowledge. Of course, Jerry Krause is one of the most successful GMs in NBA history and he never even played the game.
Dennis Lindsey, Assistant GM of the San Antonio Spurs
Lindsey is pretty much the antithesis of Sheppard. His background is rooted in scouting, coaching and plethora of experience in the professional basketball world.
Lindsey was hired by the Spurs in 2007 to be the Assistant GM. Prior to the Spurs gig, he spent eleven seasons with the Houston Rockets, five of which were as the Vice President of Basketball Operations and Player Personnel. Lindsey first joined the Rockets in 1996 as a scout. He also has experience coaching high school and junior college.
Lindsey never played in the pros, but he did enjoy a successful college career at Baylor University. He played a key role in getting the Bears to the NCAA Tournament in 1988 and the NIT Tournament in 1990. He obtained a bachelor's degree in education from Baylor and a master's in sports management from the United States Sports Academy.
Personally, I think Lindsey would be a fantastic choice for the position. The Spurs are one of the best-run organizations in the NBA and their front office has a lot to do with it. Sam Presti recently left the Spurs to run the Seattle Sonics and he’s done a fantastic job rebuilding the team.
Lindsey wouldn’t have as daunting of a task with the Hawks, but he could be the guy who helps make those much-needed, savvy moves to get the team to the next level.
Chris Grant, Assistant GM for the Cleveland Cavaliers
Grant actually began his front office career with the Hawks back in 1996. He worked his way up to eventually become Pete Babcock’s assistant.
Wait, my interest in this guy has just evaporated. Please, oh please don’t hire someone who was groomed by Pete Babcock.
Billy King, Former Philadelphia 76ers GM
King spent a decade with the Sixers and helped construct the club that made it all the way to the Finals in 2001. However, that’s Kings most notable highlight. He’s also the guy who drafted Larry Hughes over Paul Pierce.
I would hesitate hiring a retread like King with a questionable background in Philly. I mean, do we really need another BK running the Hawks front office?
Verdict:
If I were running the Hawks, I’d go with Dennis Lindsey. To be honest, I’d go with anyone from the Spurs organization.
Just look at the franchise: a title contending team, well managed cap-wise and a devoted fan base. That’s the way an NBA organization should be run. Though, you have to wonder if the Spurs will let another young exec bolt. They may try to entice Lindsey to stay with a promise of eventually succeeding R.C. Buford as the Spurs main decision-maker. |
