Who should be the Suns next GM ?

[Mainstreet]

A search in under way for the Suns to find a new GM. Several names are mentioned with Rex Chapman and San Antonio assistant GM Dennis Lindsey being among them. See azcentral article written by Paul Coro dated June 16th, 2010.

Suns Managing Partner Robert Sarver will be the point man in the hiring process, which has no timetable despite the upcoming draft and free agency. A new GM will not be in place before the draft in a week, when Kerr will oversee the Suns' two second-round picks.

"The practical timing of that makes it impossible," Suns President and Chief Executive Officer Rick Welts said. "Beyond that, it's going to be as soon as the right candidate is identified."

Some of the names sound intriguing as GM prospects. However, IMO, the departure of David Griffin after 18 years leaves even more questions than the departure of Kerr.

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/sun...00616phoenix-suns-general-manager-search.html

 

[AfroSuns]

He notes the Suns' history is a draw as the team has the NBA's third best winning percentage since 2004 and the fourth best all-time winning percentage.

Amazing achievements, which is rendered almost almost worthless due to lack of championship.

​

 

[Mainstreet]

Amazing achievements, which is rendered almost almost worthless due to lack of championship.

​

This is true, but I thought the following tidbit was thrown out there to justify the Suns being a sought after GM job. The trouble is, what does a GM have to do to get a raise if he does a good job. Also what type of job security does a GM have. This also dates back to Brian Colangelo's departure because of a salary dispute.

He notes the Suns' history is a draw as the team has the NBA's third best winning percentage since 2004 and the fourth best all-time winning percentage.

"It seems like that's the type of organization you'd want to be a part of," Welts said.

 

[elindholm]

Amazing achievements, which is rendered almost almost worthless due to lack of championship.

So all stretches of Suns history have been equally good or bad? It seems to me that this year has been better than many.

 

[elindholm]

The trouble is, what does a GM have to do to get a raise if he does a good job.

I actually don't have a problem with this. Kerr was among the higher-paid GMs anyway. It seems to me that if you take a guy with no experience and give him a big salary, you're saying, "I think you have what it takes to do a good job." And since Kerr was going to get his salary even if he did a bad job and got fired, Sarver was taking on all the risk.

I'm not a Sarver supporter, but this whole thing of people wanting raises just for doing what they're supposed to do really annoys me. Players command ridiculous salaries, which they'll receive no matter how badly they play, and then expect even more if they play well enough to earn the salary they were receiving in the first place. It's the same with coaches and front office guys. Does ownership get to negotiate salaries down when employees underperform, no, of course not, not in this industry. In the NBA, you get paid based on the job that someone hopes you can do. If you do it well, congratulations, you held up your end of the deal. That doesn't, by itself, merit a raise.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

I actually don't have a problem with this. Kerr was among the higher-paid GMs anyway. It seems to me that if you take a guy with no experience and give him a big salary, you're saying, "I think you have what it takes to do a good job." And since Kerr was going to get his salary even if he did a bad job and got fired, Sarver was taking on all the risk.

I'm not a Sarver supporter, but this whole thing of people wanting raises just for doing what they're supposed to do really annoys me. Players command ridiculous salaries, which they'll receive no matter how badly they play, and then expect even more if they play well enough to earn the salary they were receiving in the first place. It's the same with coaches and front office guys. Does ownership get to negotiate salaries down when employees underperform, no, of course not, not in this industry. In the NBA, you get paid based on the job that someone hopes you can do. If you do it well, congratulations, you held up your end of the deal. That doesn't, by itself, merit a raise.

e, that's fairly common in all trades. you get a salary. you perform your job. you exceed at it, you generally get a raise or a bonus. if you don't, you're most likely walking to someone else who will reward your success. if you perform average, or even a little below average you usually stand pat on salary. i have never worked for an organization that LOWERED anyone's salary due to performance. if your performance is so substandard that your employer can't keep you on, they fire you. the only difference is that at the sports level if you're fired you usually walk away with the remainder of your contract or a buyout, but that's what that industry has dictated.

 

[JerkFace]

I heard that Kevin Pritchard may be out in Portland after the draft. I think that he would be a great pickup, but I think that they may go the cheap rout with an unknown.

 

[elindholm]

the only difference is that at the sports level if you're fired you usually walk away with the remainder of your contract or a buyout, but that's what that industry has dictated.

Yes, but that's a huge difference! In the NBA, the owner takes on all of the risk. If the franchise underperforms, he eats the loss, and he can't cut costs by dismissing the incompetent employees or making other quick adjustments to payroll. So then he's supposed to share all of his profits when the team does well? That's idiotic. It would be like my saying, "Here, I'll give you a hundred bucks for some lottery tickets. If they win, we'll split it, and if they lose, don't worry about it, it's on me."

 

[Mainstreet]

I actually don't have a problem with this. Kerr was among the higher-paid GMs anyway. It seems to me that if you take a guy with no experience and give him a big salary, you're saying, "I think you have what it takes to do a good job." And since Kerr was going to get his salary even if he did a bad job and got fired, Sarver was taking on all the risk.

Your thoughts are interesting but I think most perceive Kerr overacheived towards the end of his contract. Certainly a GM who builds a team that made it to the WCFs does not deserve a paycut. I'd be interested if you thought BC deserved a pay raise after he was awarded the 2005 NBA Executive of the Year Award. Certainly an owner can chose to pay an employee what they want but the market determines what an employee is worth. BC moved on as did Kerr. Salary does matter when an employee is in demand. Now I am still wondering about why Griffin is leaving after 18 years although I was never a fan per se.

 

[hafey]

Steve Kerr is not an idiot nor do I think he is greedy. To me, this is much more about the off-season then a 10% raise vs. a 10% pay cut. Whoever the Suns GM will be has an impossible choice: Either overpay Amare and hamstring the franchise for half a decade or let him go for little or no return. For a team coming off WCF whose franchise player is 36 it is a lose-lost situation. Kerr smartly chose to get out at the best possible time with the added bonus of still earning good money with less work as a broadcaster.

 

[elindholm]

Your thoughts are interesting but I think most perceive Kerr overacheived towards the end of his contract. Certainly a GM who builds a team that made it to the WCFs does not deserve a paycut.

But Kerr isn't leaving for a better-paying GM job, and I'd be extremely surprised if TNT is paying him millions a year to work fifty games or whatever it is. Most likely, Sarver was offering market value.

I'd be interested if you thought BC deserved a pay raise after he was awarded the 2005 NBA Executive of the Year Award.

I don't know the numbers. How much was he making in Phoenix, and what did Toronto offer?

 

[Mainstreet]

But Kerr isn't leaving for a better-paying GM job, and I'd be extremely surprised if TNT is paying him millions a year to work fifty games or whatever it is. Most likely, Sarver was offering market value.

A reported 10% pay cut does not seem fair for Kerr. I'm not so sure Kerr will be at TNT long if he gets a better GM offer.

I don't know the numbers. How much was he making in Phoenix, and what did Toronto offer?

I don't recall how much more Toronto offered BC in salary but it was significant. Toronto's offer blew BC right out of Sarver's office.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Most likely, Sarver was offering market value.

what is this based on? It was a contract that cut back on Kerr's current salary. How could that possibly be market value?

 

[Chaplin]

what is this based on? It was a contract that cut back on Kerr's current salary. How could that possibly be market value?

According to unsubstantiated media reports. That has not been confirmed by Sarver nor Kerr. You may be right, but there's no way of knowing right now.

 

[BC867]

I think when all is said and done, Kerr left while on top.

Once your salary is as high as sports figures, other factors prevail.

Yes, the prestige of salary increases (rather than the pure buying power) is a factpr.

But getting out while the team will, in all probability, be heading downhill to some degree is even greater. Yup, reputation.

 

[Covert Rain]

But Kerr isn't leaving for a better-paying GM job, and I'd be extremely surprised if TNT is paying him millions a year to work fifty games or whatever it is. Most likely, Sarver was offering market value.

I don't know the numbers. How much was he making in Phoenix, and what did Toronto offer?

He will get at least a million working for TNT. Wasn't he one of the highest paid analysts before he left?

Also, the recent reports suggest that Kerr not only was looking for a raise but one for many of the front office staff. Their jobs are to try and put the team in the best position to win. However, when you exceed expectation it's perfectly normal to see raises or a bonus for doing that job.

I have earned bonuses at my job. Yes, I was just doing my job. However, if I do my job better then someone else then the company better do something to show it's appreciation. There is too much competition in the job place. That goes for the NBA as well.

Also, Sarver hedging all the risk is a poor excuse. When you start a business you are taking a risk. When you buy a franchise you are taking risk. You know that going in. Let's not also forget that Sarver only owns what 30%? He is the controlling partner but others are absorbing some risk as well.

Sarver by all accounts has cut expenses elsewhere (i.e. Jason Richardson picking up meal tabs because Sarver won't pay). Sarver can fire personal and can trade under performing players. So, It's not like he can't do something about any perceived risk.

Seriously, if Sarver didn't understand the financial responsibilities and the way things work...he had no business buying this franchise. If he did understand and refuses to treat this any different then one of his other businesses then he is kidding himself if he thinks it works the same in an entertainment based professional sports franchise.

 

[AzStevenCal]

Steve Kerr is not an idiot nor do I think he is greedy. To me, this is much more about the off-season then a 10% raise vs. a 10% pay cut. Whoever the Suns GM will be has an impossible choice: Either overpay Amare and hamstring the franchise for half a decade or let him go for little or no return. For a team coming off WCF whose franchise player is 36 it is a lose-lost situation. Kerr smartly chose to get out at the best possible time with the added bonus of still earning good money with less work as a broadcaster.

+1. They're were likely a few other factors that played into it but I agree with you.

Steve

 

[Covert Rain]

According to unsubstantiated media reports. That has not been confirmed by Sarver nor Kerr. You may be right, but there's no way of knowing right now.

Nor would it EVER by confirmed by either. There might not be a way of knowing but it doesn't take rocket science to read between the lines.

Kerr, Griffin, now several media outlets reporting moral issues in the front office, Sarver not paying for team meals, Kerr requesting raises for the front office staff and getting shot down....Kerr being asked to take a pay cut.....

Seriously....where there is smoke there is fire. It's not like this is a huge leap of faith or anything considering Sarver past actions (selling draft picks, trading picks away to avoid contract salary etc...).

 

[Cheesebeef]

According to unsubstantiated media reports. That has not been confirmed by Sarver nor Kerr. You may be right, but there's no way of knowing right now.

there's just too much smoke for there not to be fire Chap. Coro doesn't just blather about things. Hell, even Sarver said money played a part in it.

 

[joshstmarie]

My friend whos a Blazers fan was telling me a few months ago that the blazers were interested in sam presti, the GM for the OKC Thunder. Hes done a great job drafting over there. That would be a pretty amazing snag if we could lure him over but at this point, what kind of GM are we going to get in here with sarver acting like a complete clown? Honestly Id offer gentry the job since he knows the ins and outs of the organization better than anyone else.

 

[Cheesebeef]

My friend whos a Blazers fan was telling me a few months ago that the blazers were interested in sam presti, the GM for the OKC Thunder. Hes done a great job drafting over there. That would be a pretty amazing snag if we could lure him over but at this point, what kind of GM are we going to get in here with sarver acting like a complete clown? Honestly Id offer gentry the job since he knows the ins and outs of the organization better than anyone else.

we're not going to get anyone in demand because someone in demand is going to get paid like they're on demand. We're gonna get someone who's grateful for the opportunity and will be paid accordingly.

 

[joshstmarie]

we're not going to get anyone in demand because someone in demand is going to get paid like they're on demand. We're gonna get someone who's grateful for the opportunity and will be paid accordingly.

Prepping the ole resume as we speak. I hope 3 years of League Pass and watching highschool games on local cable access counts as scouting.

 

[Covert Rain]

we're not going to get anyone in demand because someone in demand is going to get paid like they're on demand. We're gonna get someone who's grateful for the opportunity and will be paid accordingly.

+1

 

[SirStefan32]

we're not going to get anyone in demand because someone in demand is going to get paid like they're on demand. We're gonna get someone who's grateful for the opportunity and will be paid accordingly.

Exactly!

 

[SunsTzu]

we're not going to get anyone in demand because someone in demand is going to get paid like they're on demand. We're gonna get someone who's grateful for the opportunity and will be paid accordingly.

Actually I don't think it is the salary that would prevent the Suns from getting a good GM but the lack of control they would have. I posted this earlier but the 2 lowest paid GMs are Pat Riley and Sam Presti. Presti for certain turned down better paying GM offers and I'm sure Riley could have gotten more but they preferred complete control.