Proven winners here who have recently built NBA finalists or champions. They have a mixed reputation; made obvious blunders but also pulled off huge acquisitions. Yet where are they without the franchise players they may or may not deserve credit for acquiring? Too many stupid moves to be considered smart, yet they've had great success.
"If I'm so dumb, how did I make the finals?"
11. Nelson DAL
Began in 2002, but this is another murky situation where Mark Cuban and Dad/Don Nelson played a big role. With basically unlimited resources, Nelson hasn't been able to move the Mavs over the top and has signed off on a number of terrible contracts. They keep winning though and every season are on the borderline of title contention. Also keeps finding solid players later in the draft.
10. Ferry CLE
Began in 2005. Easy job when gifted Lebron and a rich owner. He's made some questionable personnel decisions (Larry Hughes as Lebron's sidekick?) and spent money recklessly. To his credit, he found Shannon Brown, Daniel Gibson, JJ Hickson in the draft and has finally put a strong team around Lebron with a quality Head Coach.
9. Ainge BOS
Began in 2003. Great: drafting Jefferson, Perkins, Rondo, West. Awful: Signing LaFrentz than dealing away the pick that could have been Brandon Roy to dump his contract, trading for Ricky Davis. A mixed record, but ultimately the drafting gave him the assets to win a title and he did what it took to get Garnett and Allen while being smart enough to hold on to Pierce.
8. Smith ORL
Began in 2005. Alternates between awful moves (drafting Vazquez and Redick, trading away Ariza) and smart ones (drafting Lee and Gortat, trading for Ariza). Earned my respect by completely fooling Dallas this offseason to keep Gortat while getting Bass. Got killed for overpaying Lewis, but it ended up working out just fine. Not afraid to make bold moves.
Monday, March 1, 2010
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