Reports Supersonics to offer GM position to Sam Presti

[objective]

he's 47

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baske...r-buford_N.htm

btw, that link reflects back on the story about who gets credit for Parker.

The last couple of years the story had been all about Presti, but when the story first came out it was simply that after a poor workout Presti made the tape to convince the Spurs to give him another chance. But it's evolved into some sort of urban legend that it was all Presti with regards to even knowing who Parker was and getting the Spurs to open their eyes.

[objective]

I forgot that guy's name. But yeah, I'd imagine he goes. I don't know if any of scouts would go. Coaches - PJ and Newman, maybe.

found it.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/b....12d0a5c2.html

Spurs assistant general manager Sam Presti and basketball operations assistant Rob Hennigan are both Emerson graduates.

Presti, 29, joined the Spurs in the summer of 2001 as an intern. He has quickly moved up in the organization and is considered one of the league's top young executives. In addition to helping general manager R.C. Buford convince Popovich to take Tony Parker, Presti — who Popovich calls the team's "resident genius" — also found this year's first-round draft pick, Ian Mahinmi.

Hennigan graduated from Emerson in 2004 before Presti recommended the team hire him as an intern last season. Danny Ferry tried to hire Hennigan for his new staff in Cleveland this summer before the Spurs promoted him to basketball operations assistant.

"He's our secret weapon," Popovich said of Hennigan. "He does all the research for us, makes sure we're not leaving any stone unturned. He just has a real good feel for the game, offers great suggestions about possible additions to the team, who's out there, how it can help us cap-wise.

"Both those guys' intelligence has worked well for us."

[whottt]

he's 47

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baske...r-buford_N.htm

btw, that link reflects back on the story about who gets credit for Parker.

The last couple of years the story had been all about Presti, but when the story first came out it was simply that after a poor workout Presti made the tape to convince the Spurs to give him another chance. But it's evolved into some sort of urban legend that it was all Presti with regards to even knowing who Parker was and getting the Spurs to open their eyes.

So basically...Buford is the buy behind Parker and Manu...the two successful picks we have had. Glad he's staying...

It sucks that soon, every team in the NBA will have inside knowledge about the Spurs system.

[L.I.T]

Pop as the modern era Red Auerbach?

[ShoogarBear]

Pop as the modern era Red Auerbach?

Maybe when he starts shutting off the hot water in the visitors' locker room.

[L.I.T]

Maybe when he starts shutting off the hot water in the visitors' locker room.

Russell said something about Red, along the lines of, "I never knew someone who played for him who didn't like him. And I never knew someone who played against him and liked him."

Pull that stunt nowadays and the players would probably tear up.

[ducks]

Sonics quiet on GM search



http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/basket...71_sonx06.html

Sonics quiet on GM search
Decision could be pushed back to next week
By GARY WASHBURN
P-I REPORTER

The Sonics are not yet locked into San Antonio Spurs vice president Sam Presti as their new general manager, and a decision may be pushed back to next week, according to a team source.

The final two candidates for the position are Presti and Washington Wizards vice president Tommy Sheppard. Both interviewed last week with team president Lenny Wilkens and owner Clay Bennett, and each made a positive impression.

Wilkens and the rest of the Sonics' brass are pondering their decision this week. While the Spurs and Wizards allowed each of their front-office members to speak with the Sonics, it is uncertain if they want compensation for allowing Presti and Sheppard to go to another NBA club.

Also, there is the possibility each club will make a counteroffer as Phoenix did with David Griffin, who pulled his name out of contention for the Memphis Grizzlies GM position because he received a new le and a raise from the Suns.

Presti, 30, has been the front-runner since Rick Sund was reassigned on April 25, but Wilkens did not speak with the touted executive until a month later. And there is no guarantee that Presti would bring Spurs assistant coach P.J. Carlesimo as a package deal if he agrees to take the job.

Carlesimo is an intriguing coaching prospect because he has been waiting for another chance to atone for his failures with the Golden State Warriors and his infamous 1997 choking incident with Latrell Sprewell. Carlesimo was a highly regarded college coach at Seton Hall before three moderately successful seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers.

He has spent the past five seasons with the Spurs, but the question is whether a Spurs-style half-court offense would work with a Seattle lineup that could include Ray Allen, Rashard Lewis, Kevin Durant and Chris Wilcox, all of whom are up-tempo players.

Wilkens has yet to reveal any coaching candidates, but a popular choice is former Sonics assistant Dwane Casey, who was approached in Orlando this past week for a few assistant coaching positions but is waiting for a Sonics interview before making any decisions.

The organization also is preparing for the June 28 draft and personal workouts begin Thursday at the Furtado Center. Although it is uncertain who will work out Thursday, the club has scheduled sessions with Oregon guard and former Franklin High standout Aaron Brooks, Detroit-Mercy forward Ryvon Covile and Boston College forward Jared Dudley.

Seattle owns the 31st and 35th picks and will work out a majority of prospects for those two slots. Kevin Durant and Greg Oden, who are scheduled to work out for the Portland Trail Blazers, may not audition for the Sonics because they likely won't drop beyond the second pick.

It's intriguing, however, that the Sonics asked to take a look at Texas A&M guard Acie Law, who may be the best point-guard prospect, although he is behind Ohio State freshman Mike Conley in several mock drafts.

According to Draftexpress.com, Durant was not able to bench press 185 pounds once during the predraft combine last week in Orlando.

He did measure as a 6-foot-9 without shoes and he doesn't turn 19 until September, meaning he could grow a few more inches.

P-I reporter Gary Washburn can be reached at 206-448-8006 or [email protected]. Follow his Sonics blog at blog.seattlepi.com/sonics.

[Oh, Gee!!]

traitors!!!

[AlamoSpursFan]

He could easily get $8-10M if they just threw in some filler. He's from Houston, hangs with Drexler and rumor has it that he wants to play there.

Not that it matters, but I thought he was from Waxahachie. That's Dallas, not H-Town.

[ShoogarBear]

While the Spurs and Wizards allowed each of their front-office members to speak with the Sonics, it is uncertain if they want compensation for allowing Presti and Sheppard to go to another NBA club.

syeah!

Presti and P.J. for the #2 pick!

[SequSpur]

Who in the is Presti? Is that one of the beer sellers?

or

another gravy trainer of the Tim Duncan wagon...

[ducks]

bump