Fast-forward to the present, these former All-Stars have made the successfull transition from hardcourt to boardroom. From locker room to the front ofice, from shot-makers to shot-callers. These men have become NBA general managers, putting to good use their wide knowledge and experience of the game, adding their personalities into the teams they are putting together. And like they used to during their playing days, they still compete against each other for that elusive championship. But they also wish they are still playing ball. As what Bird said, "you can't get the same rush as GM as when you are on the court playing, and you have your hands on the ball and you have to make quick decisions. It's completely different than being on the court."
These old-timers were ably surrounded by exceptional talent during their glory days that they can depend on during crunch time. As chief executives of their respective teams, they now rely heavily on staff members on the ins and outs of the front office, and considers opinions and informations by other office personnel and scouts to make things in order to when it is time for decision making. GMs spend the day on the phone making deals, meet office staff and handle everything that concerns the franchise. And that's only phase one. In the evening, when the game starts, phase two begins - the direct and actual pampering of the team.
The move from player to front office, from employee to boss did not come from career statistics or Hall of Fame memberships. Although these men have impressive credentials compiled from their playing days, they became executives because of their smarts and they'll sniff out the bad smell quickly. These are extremely knowledgeable people about basketball and they won't do anything to jeopardize their teams. Deals are made but it has to work to benefit both teams. Not only do they attempt to win now but they also implement a winning game plan for the future.
Larry Legend was coach of the Pacers before he became their General Manager. He trash-talked opponents on the way to winning three titles in the '80s. Draining down those three's and making those how'd-he-do-that passes, he never imagined that he would someday be running a team. His present assembly of players resemble Bird's cocky and confident court presence.
Isiah Thomas also coached the Pacers, been part owner of the Raptors and now is in-charge of basketball operations for the Knicks. His three-guard combo of Stephon Marbury, Jamal Crawford and Allan Houston is strangely similar to the Detroit Bad Boys era trio of Joe Dumars, Vinnie Johnson and himself.
Kiki Vandeweghe, the Nuggets' General Manager, has formed a high-scoring running team by drafting Carmelo Anthony and trading for Kenyon Martin. This is reminiscent of his '80s Nuggets team that routinely lights up the scoreboards. Joe Dumars has successfully sculpted the Pistons from his own likeness. During his playing days, Dumars won't be putting up ridiculous statistics but would always have an unassumming good game which usually translates to a Piston win. Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Chauncey Billups, Ben and Rasheed Wallace don't put up MVP-type numbers but they win championships.
Danny Ainge oversees basketball operations for the Celtics. His trio of Paul Pierce, Gary Payton and Ricky Davies all display the feistiness that Ainge was known for as a player, which borders on quarrell and aggression. Kevin McHale has that intriguingly crafty low-post move that became his trademark. As GM for the Timberwolves, he works closely with former MVP Kevin Garnett to polish his inside game. Resiliency describes John Paxson in his prime as a Bull. Being the Bulls' GM, he has assembled a cast of Baby Bulls that has been spirited to say the least.
Chris Mullin was known for staying long after practices have been done to further improve his skills. His Golden State Warriors has a collection of gym rats who like nothing more than sharpening their game some more.
The current crop of players who have former players as their bosses feel more secure as these generation of General Managers know their needs, since they were once in their shoes. They had their time on the court and their job now is to make their teams win and although it's nice to get the title, it won't be the same feeling as earning the trophy on the court, playing. Just ask Larry and Isiah.
E-mail at bobbytoohotty@lycos.com