A DOZEN TO CONSIDER
AP Rising execs Knicks should eye
coaching and front-office staffs. Scott Perry, the GM, is currently working with Rose and offers his experience as an executive for 30 years. He’s respected around the league and only 2.5 years into the Knicks job.
As the News reported, Rose is interested in Sixers GM Elton Brand if he becomes available (Brand is under contract next season). However, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported the Sixers are happy with Brand’s work while citing his leadership and relationship-building. That doesn’t sound like he’ll be available.
It’s imperative for Rose, who has no experience in an executive role, to feel comfortable with his front office. We’ve already reported a candidate the Knicks asked for permission to interview for a position — Brock Aller, the Cavaliers’ director of strategic planning.
But given the lack of public messaging from the Knicks, it’s unclear how much restructuring and overhauling Rose is planning because of the shutdown. Certainly interim coach Mike Miller wasn’t given a fair amount of time for a proper assessment.
If there is change on the executive front, the News talked to multiple NBA personnel to compile a list of rising and overlooked talents who we believe would fit nicely.
MALIK ROSE, ASST. GM, PISTONS
The former Knick has risen quickly after stepping into his first front-office position in 2015. Drew high marks as the GM of the Erie Bayhawks in the Bucks organization, where he was the G League Executive of the Year in 2018. Hard worker, outspoken and a culture builder who learned from the Spurs model. Here’s a relevant story about Rose that we’ve heard: He was so committed to building a culture and winning environment with the Bayhawks, he personally cleaned up the locker room before the first game. The team shared that locker room with a baseball team, and it just wasn’t ready. So Rose showed up with gloves and cleaning supplies after noticing the mess after the morning shootaround – scrubbing the showers, toilets, etc.
CHAD BUCHANAN, GM, PACERS
He’s widely known for his embrace of analytics and has already demonstrated he can work under a team president, as Buchanan has accomplished skillfully with Kevin Pritchard as his boss in Indy. The Bulls are reportedly interested in hiring Buchanan as their GM if, as expected, Gar Forman is axed or demoted. Buchanan was previously the assistant
GM under Rich Cho in Charlotte, and spent a decade working his way through the Trailblazers organization.
DAVID MORWAY, ASST. GM, JAZZ
Has done a masterful job in small markets as the GM of the Pacers when they drafted Paul George and assistant GM of the Bucks when they drafted Giannis Antetokounmpo. He joined the Jazz to work under GM Justin Zanik, who, like Leon Rose, is a former agent. Together they built another contender. He has a unique background as a former MLB executive in the 1980s.
MILT NEWTON, ASST. GM, BUCKS
A basketball lifer who paid his dues before becoming GM of the Timberwolves, where the 54-year-old Newton drafted Karl-Anthony Towns and Zach
MATT RICCARDI, GM, L.I. NETS
He has spent the last decade rising up through the Nets’ ranks. Riccardi is known throughout the league as a top scout, tireless worker and relationshipbuilder. He’s also the director of scouting for a franchise that has earned a reputation for discovering overlooked gems.
FRANK ZANIN, PRO SCOUT, THUNDER
Served as the Nets assistant GM under Billy King and transitioned to scouting with the Thunder, the franchise that has exponentially overachieved. In addition to his scouting and evaluating ability, Zanin has a strong relationship with Rose after working with the former agent.
MIKE DUNLEAVY JR., ASST. GM, WARRIORS
Strong basketball pedigree as a former third overall pick and son of a Brooklynborn longtime NBA coach. Dunleavy only retired from playing in 2017 and is already an assistant GM for the five-time defending Western Conference champions. Dunleavy’s also very familiar with Manhattan.
ANTHONY PARKER, GM, LAKELAND MAGIC
Owns more unique and vast experiences as a former player in the NBA and Europe, a former broadcaster, and the brother of WNBA legend Candace Parker. The Lakeland Magic has posted an 85-57 record the last three seasons under Parker, finishing first, second and third in the conference.