NBA Power Rankings: Sam Presti, Mitch Kupchak and the Best GMs in the NBA
Whether they are called general managers or presidents of basketball operations, they are responsible for assembling your favorite teams. A good general manager or president can be the difference between contenders and pretenders.
So who's the best? Is it Mitch Kupchak? Or maybe Sam Presti? What about the worst? David Kahn? Larry Bird?
Read on to find out your general manager stacks up to the rest of the league.
No. 30: Dell Demps, New Orleans Hornets
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Dell Demps was named the general manager of the New Orleans Hornets in July 2010 and has already made an impact on the team.
He has traded away young Darren Collison, combo guard Jerryd Bayless and shooter Peja Stojakovic. While all these moves may not have been for the betterment of the team, the franchise is in a big-time money crunch and needed to do something.
So until the franchise can figure out its monetary problem, expect Demps to be forced to work with enormous restrictions. For now, he is at the bottom of the rankings, but if he can succeed with the monetary restrictions, he will most definitely go up the rankings.
No. 29: David Kahn, Minnesota Timberwolves
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David Kahn has been the president of basketball operations for the MInnesota Timberwolves since May 2009.
He has executed a total of 14 trades, and the majority of them have not been good. He has traded away players like Quentin RIchardson, Al Jefferson and Ty Lawson and has traded for players like Chucky Atkins, Kosta Koufos, and Alando Tucker.
He has tried to rebuild the T-Wolves but has lost their best player (Jefferson) and has not drafted smartly (drafting three points guards in 2009 and only two out of the five players he selected in 2010 are currently on the roster).
His one good move is trading two second rounders for Michael Beasley, and while it is a solid move, it does not make up for all the bad trades and draft picks.
No. 28: Rich Cho, Portland Trailblazers
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Rich Cho was hired as the general manager of the Portland Trailblazers this summer and really hasn't made any significant moves except trading away Jerryd Bayless.
He needs more time to develop the roster before he can move up the rankings.
No. 27: Neil Olshey, Los Angeles Clippers
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Neil Olshey was named general manager of the Los Angeles Clippers in March of 2010 and, so far, has done an average job of improving the team. He has added players like rookies Eric Bledsoe and Al-Farouq Aminu. Luckily for him, he inherited two star players in Eric Gordon and Blake Griffin.
With the duo of Griffin and Gordon, Olshey should be able to convince players to join the Clippers in LA. While they will always be known as "The Other Team" in LA, with the proper additions they could be on the rise.
Olshey could rise dramatically if he could help this team regain prominence, but his main obstacle is owner Donald Sterling. Good luck in dealing with Sterling, he's going to need it.
No. 26: Masai Ujiri, Denver Nuggets
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Masai Ujiri was named executive vice president of basketball operations of the Denver Nuggets in August 2010. He was thrust into the fray that is the Carmelo Anthony negotiations and unfortunately has not been very successful.
But he really hasn't had the opportunity to do much, which is the reason why he is ranked so low.
No. 25: Rod Higgins, Charlotte Bobcats
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Rod Higgins is sadly one of the most restricted general managers of the league.
He can make decisions but can not finalize any decisions without the consent of owner Michael Jordan. Unfortunately, the decisions are reflected on him, not Jordan.
Now to all the bad trades, signings, and draft picks that have taken place while Higgins has been general manager. He has traded away Jason Richardson, Jared Dudley, Tyson Chandler, Emeka Okafor and Brandon Wright.
He has signed players like Jeff McInnis, Alexis Ajinca and Antonio Anderson, all of whom are relatively unknown to sports fans. And he has drafted players like Gerald Henderson and DJ Augustin, who have not played like they were supposed to and have been major disappointments.
No. 24: Chris Grant, Cleveland Cavaliers
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Chris Grant was named general manager of the Cavs during this past hectic off-season.
He really hasn't done much except deal with LeBron James' leaving. He is very similar to Masai Ujiri of the Denver Nuggets in the fact that they both dealt with drama with their superstars. Their only difference is that Grant has lost his superstar.
One positive for Grant is that when he signed and traded LeBron, the Cavs received two first round draft picks, two second round draft picks and a trade exception. While the first rounds are not until 2013 and 2015, the Cavs should be able to rebuild enough by then that those picks will help them.
No. 23: Lance Blanks, Phoenix Suns
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Lance Blanks was hired as the general manager of the Phoenix Suns this summer and has already executed several trades.
He has been an NBA executive for over 10 years, previously with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the San Antonio Spurs.
He has already traded for the likes of Hedo Turkoglu, Josh Childress, Vince Carter and Marcin Gortat. While he has also traded away Jason Richardson and Hedo Turkoglu, the Suns look like a team on the rise with Blanks as the general manager.
No. 22: Larry Bird, Indiana Pacers
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Larry Legend is no doubt one of the best players to ever play in the National Basketball Association, but he really has not done much good as the Indiana Pacers president of basketball operations until recently.
In 2004, the Pacers were involved in the famous Malice at the Palace, which is the biggest fight in basketball history. The best players on the Pacers were Ron Artest, Stephen Jackson and Jermaine O'Neal at the time. The brawl changed the landscape of Pacer basketball.
By summer 2008, all three were traded away, in deals that can show for almost nothing today. The main pieces from the trades were Troy Murphy, Roy Hibbert, Peja Stojakovic, Mike Dunleavy, TJ Ford and Jarrett Jack. Hibbert, Dunleavy and Ford remain today from that list, and only Hibbert is a starter.
While he has made bad trades like before mentioned, he has also drafted stud Danny Granger and has traded for young Darren Collison. Those two mixed with Roy HIbbert (who should be up for most improved player this year), could make the Pacers a force to be reckoned with if Larry could get more help around them.
No. 21: Larry Riley, Golden State Warriors
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Larry Riley was named general manager of the Golden State Warriors in May of 2009 and has worked hard to get solid talent on the team.
Unfortunately the team has not played very well so far, but the talent is there. Players like Monta Ellis, Stephen Curry, David Lee, Reggie Williams and Dorell Wright give the team a strong, young nucleus to build around.
Riley has helped the team with the trade for Lee, the drafting of Stephen Curry, signing Wright away from Miami and by giving WIlliams a chance to show he can play. If he can acquire more role players, the Warriors could be very good in the competitive Western Conference.
No. 20: Billy King, New Jersey Nets
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Billy King was previously a part of the Philadelphia 76ers organization before being named the general manager of the New Jersey Nets this summer.
In Philadelphia, he was extremely important in shaping the roster. Players like Allen Iverson, Andre Iguodala and Thaddeus Young were in Philly because of King.
In New Jersey, he should be able to build a solid team with new billionaire owner Mikhail Prokhorov and his amazingly deep pockets. He already has drafted a solid player in Derrick Favors and has acquired draft picks in next year's draft.
Expect Billy King to be on the rise in the rankings of GMs.
No. 19: Ernie Grunfeld, Washington Wizards
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Ernie Grunfeld has been working in NBA managements since the 1989-1990 season. He was first with the New York Knicks, then with the Milwaukee Bucks and finally with the Washington Wizards in 2003. He has changed the entire landscape of Wizards basketball during his tenure, so far.
He signed Gilbert Arenas, traded for Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler and drafted John Wall. He changed the team when Arenas, Butler and Jamison were together, and the Wizards were contenders every year until all three were traded. But now with John Wall, the team looks to be on the rise again.
Probably not this year, but maybe next year or the year after that, expect the Wizards to be playoff contenders with a nucleus or John Wall, Rashard Lewis, Nick Young, JaVale McGee and Andray Blatche.
No. 18: Chris Wallace, Memphis Grizzlies
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Chris Wallace became the general manager of the Memphis Grizzlies in the summer of 2007 and was the GM of the Boston Celtics for the previous 10 years. He was responsible for drafting Paul Pierce in 1998.
For the Grizzlies, he has drafted Mike Conley, traded for O.J. Mayo, Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph, and has re-signed high flier Rudy Gay. While the Pau Gasol trade is looked upon as extremely lopsided, the team has transformed into a contender nonetheless with Wallace at the helm.
No. 17: Ed Stefanski, Philadelphia 76er's
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Ed Stefanski has been with the Philadelphia 76ers as team president and general manager until this summer when Rod Thorn was brought in as team president and Stefanski stuck with general manager. Since then, the 76ers have drafted Evan Turner and hope to compete more in the East.
The reason why Ed Stefanski is this high is because he worked hand in hand with Bill King, the former 76er GM, in rebuilding the team. He helped make the 76ers contenders and should do the same as general manager.
No. 16: Otis Smith, Orlando Magic
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Otis Smith has been extremely influential in changing the Orlando Magic team. Since he was hired during the 2005-2006 season, he has helped lead the team to the NBA Finals in the 2008-2009 season and the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2009-2010 season.
He has drafted players like J.J. Redick and Courtney Lee; traded for players like Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis; and recently traded for Hedo Turkoglu, Gilbert Arenas and Jason Richardson. Smith knows how to get players that he wants and isn't afraid to do so.
His legacy as the Magic GM could be defined with the two recent blockbuster trades, if the Magic succeed with the new players, then he will be looked at as a genius. If the Magic fail, then his job will be in danger.
No. 15: Gar Forman, Chicago Bulls
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Gar Forman was named the general manager of the Chicago Bulls in 2009 and had been with the team's front office for 11 years previous.
He works hand in hand with John Paxson and is responsible for the signing of Carlos Boozer this offseason and the re-signing of Joakim Noah.
His partnering with Paxson makes a formidable duo that should help make the Bulls a force for years to come, with players like Derrick Rose, Boozer, Noah and Luol Deng all there to stay.
Expect Forman to rise as the Bulls rise and fall if the Bulls fall.
No. 14: Daryl Morey, Houston Rockets
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Daryl Morey was hired by the Rockets in 2007 to be the general manager and, in my opinion, has done a fantastic job of rebuilding the Rockets. He has dealt with the losses of Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming and somehow has made the Rockets a solid team without McGrady and Ming.
He has drafted speedy Aaron Brooks, acquired Trevor Ariza, traded for Luis Scola and Kevin Martin, and has made the team, at least on paper, solid. Although the team hasn't performed up to expectations this year, the talent is there because of Morey.
No. 13: Kevin O'Connor, Utah Jazz
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Kevin O'Connor has been the general manager of the Utah Jazz for 11 years and has kept the Jazz at a high level for years. Whether through trades, draft picks or free agent signings, he has kept the Jazz contenders.
He was behind the drafting of current Jazz superstar point guard Deron Williams, the signing of Carlos Boozer in 2004 and the trade for Al Jefferson this summer.
When things looked down this summer, O'Connor made the move to trade for Jefferson so that the Jazz would stay contenders. They are currently 21-9 and fourth in the competitive Western Conference.
No. 12: Geoff Petrie, Sacramento Kings
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Geoff Petrie has been the Sacramento Kings general manager for 15 seasons and has done a great job of keeping the team competitive, except in recent years.
Regardless of how good the team has been, he has always had great players on his teams. Whether it be Chris Webber or Tyreke Evans.
He has acquired people like Chris Webber, Peja Stojakovic, Jason Williams, Mike Bibby, Vlade Divac, Kevin Martin, Ron Artest, Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins. Whether it be through trades, signings or draft picks, he has been great at luring players.
No. 11: Rick Sund, Atlanta Hawks
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Rick Sund has been involved in NBA management since 1974, when he was with the Milwaukee Bucks, then the Dallas Mavericks made him the youngest GM in NBA history, then the Pistons, Sonics, and finally the Hawks.
Since becoming the Hawk's general manager, he has made several moves that have Hawks one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
He traded for Jamal Crawford, re-signed Joe Johnson (although for way too much) and also re-signed Al Horford. The Hawks have a great nucleus of Joe Johnson, Al Horford and Josh Smith. Add some pieces, like a solid point guard, and they could be a very dangerous team.
No.10: John Hammond, Miluakee Bucks
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John Hammond had been the assistant general manager with the Detroit Pistons before becoming the general manager of the Milwaukee Bucks in 2008. He was the NBA Executive of the Year in 2009-2010 and is on the level of Thunder GM Sam Presti, in regards to raise in stock. He has made the Bucks contenders in a hurry, something that isn't seen often.
He drafted Brandon Jennings in the 2009 draft, traded for Richard Jefferson, signed Ersan Ilyasova, traded for Carlos Delfino and traded for John Salmons, all in two years. The Bucks now have Brandon Jennings, Andrew Bogut, Ersan IIyasova and possibly Michael Redd as their core. That is not a bad four to work around.
Expect Hammond to rise to a top executive if he keeps at the pace he is at now.
No. 9 : Bryan Colangelo, Toronto Raptors
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Bryan Colangelo joined the Toronto Raptors in 2006 after being with the Phoenix Suns since 1995. He is largely responsible for stars from the Suns like Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire and Shawn Marion. After the Suns, he tried to rebuild the Raptors like he did the Suns but so far he hasn't been very successful.
He has added players like DeMar DeRozan, Andrea Bargnani, Jermaine O'Neal, Shawn Marion, Hedo Turkoglu and recently Jerryd Bayless. His one mistake was the loss of Chris Bosh, although the Raptors received two 2011 first rounders in return for Bosh. Expect those two first rounders to be used to better the team because Colangelo is a very good drafter.
No. 8: Joe Dumars, Detroit Pistons
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Joe Dumars is more well known for his play on the Bad Boys, than for his work in the front office of the Detroit Pistons, even though he has done a solid job.
He had the Pistons in six consecutive Eastern Conference Finals and kept the roster competitive until recently.
The Pistons team that went to six consecutive Eastern Conference Finals featured Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Rasheed Wallace and Ben Wallace. That five was great for the Pistons and won the city a championship in 2004. That starting line-up was built by Dumars and paid off greatly.
He doesn't get the credit he deserves now that the Pistons are doing bad, but the Pistons wouldn't have won the 2004 title without him.
No. 7: Sam Presti, Oklahoma City Thunder
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Sam Presti has easily become one of the best general managers in the NBA, in a period of only three years.
He is what one would call a fast learner. He has transformed a terrible team to one of the best in the NBA. The roster now is very solid and should be solid for years to come.
He drafted one of the best NBA players in Kevin Durant with the second overall pick in the 2007 draft, he traded for the fifth overall pick in Jeff Green, drafted Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka in the 2008 draft, drafted James Harden in the 2009 draft, and traded for Thabo Sefolosha.
They have rebuilt the entire team with young talent, four of the starters were drafted and the other was traded for. This team has been completely constructed by Presti.
He is easily the hottest GM in the NBA, he should rise as the years go on and become one of the top GMs.
No. 6: R.C. Buford, San Antonio Spurs
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Well as shown to your left, Jim Carrey is a great general manager and has made the San Antonio Spurs contenders in all eight of his years as GM.
Wait a minute, I got Jim Carrey and R.C. Buford mixed up, they look so similar in this picture. Let me rewind: R.C. Buford is a great GM, not Jim Carrey.
Buford has shaped the Spurs into the great team they are today, and he is responsible for Manu Ginobili, Bruce Bowen, the re-signing of Tony Parker, the re-signing of Robert Horry, the re-signing of Tim Duncan, the drafting of George Hill, the drafting of DeJuan Blair and the trade for Richard Jefferson.
So he is responsible for the core of the team that currently has the best record in the NBA and has won three titles in the 2000s.
He is definitely one of the best and should help the Spurs stay competitive whenever Duncan retires.
No. 5: Donnie Nelson, Dallas Mavericks
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Donnie Nelson has crafted the roster of the Dallas Mavericks into something that is incredibly talented. He is responsible for Jason Terry, Caron Butler, Shawn Marion, Jason Kidd, Tyson Chandler and Brendan Haywood being on the roster. Also for the re-signing of Dirk Nowitzki, who is easily the most important of all the players.
He has shaped this roster how he and owner Mark Cuban have wanted, and the team is poised to make a run for the title this year. It always helps when you have an owner like Mark Cuban who is willing to consider almost anything.
And Nelson hasn't even been the Mavs GM for a decade yet, and he is definitely on the rise.
No. 4: Donnie Walsh, New York Knicks
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He is easily one of it not the most experienced general managers and is one of the most respected in the NBA.
He started out with the Indiana Pacers and was responsible for drafting Reggie Miller, who holds the NBA record for most three pointers made in a career. He stayed with the Pacers until 2008 when he joined the New York Knicks.
With the Knicks, he cut salary so the team could get players this summer, when players like LeBron, Bosh, Wade and Amar'e became free agents. Unfortunately for the Knicks, they missed out on their top two choices of LeBron and D-Wade, so they settled for Amar'e (which is a very good consolation prize).
This year the Knicks have a chance to make the playoffs in what seems like decades, and they might be able to surprise a team in the playoffs, all because of Donnie Walsh and his work the last two years.
No. 3: Danny Ainge, Boston Celtics
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Danny Ainge has been with the Boston Celtics as their general manager for seven seasons and has already won an NBA championship. He completely revamped the Celtics roster and made them immediate contenders.
He was responsible for the massive overhaul before the 2007-2008 season that included the trades for Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett. The team was built around three aging veterans who were willing to sacrifice to reach a common goal, an NBA championship. They succeeded in their first season together and have been a great team ever since then.
Ainge was the mastermind who worked the team to what it is today, a top five team in the league. Ainge showed that he is here to stay in the top five rankings of NBA GMs.
No. 2: Pat Riley, Miami Heat
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Pat Riley was one of the greatest coaches in NBA history, mainly with the showtime Lakers and the Heat, was a great player himself and is a great front office man.
He coached the Miami Heat to their first championship in 2006 and then went into the front office and started to clear cap space for the summer of 2010, when NBA stars would become free agents.
He re-signed Dwayne Wade, and did sign and trades for LeBron James and Chris Bosh. He pulled off arguably the biggest free agent haul of all time this summer.
The craziest thing is that somehow he assembled a roster to play with them all while staying under the cap. He is a genius in his own way and ultra talented. He will go down as one of the best to ever coach and manage.
No. 1: Mitch Kupchak, Los Angeles Lakers
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Mitch Kupchak is the genius behind the Lakers success and has won four championships as the Lakers general manager.
He has worked trades, like the incredibly favorable Pau Gasol trade, signed big time free agents like Gary Payton and Karl Malone, he drafted Andrew Bynum, and boosted the bench with players like Matt Barnes and Shannon Brown.
Without Kupchak the Lakers would not have won the last two titles and would not have been as good as they were.
As mentioned earlier, the Gasol trade was extremely lopsided. Gasol is Kobe's Robin and helps this team go, throw in Bynum, and this team has the famous twin towers.
As long as Kupchak is around, the Lakers will be contenders and I don't expect him to give up his spot as the top general manager anytime soon.
In Conclusion
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General Managers don't get the love they deserve, and they are instrumental in putting together your favorite teams. The fact is the NBA has countless great General Managers and power ranking them was not easy. If you disagree with a ranking or would like to talk about why I ranked people where I ranked them, then please feel free to comment.
Information from: hoopstats.com, hoopshype.com, and espn.com was used in this article.
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