Spotlight Article - BOS

[blackice]

This is a series I am bringing back, from years ago. I have decided to interview each GM in the league to get their opinion on a number topics that are all related to basketball in some way or another. The questions will be standardized so that each GM has a chance to reflect on how they will approach the interview. Depending on how the feedback is from each GM, I could potentially bring this series back every few seasons to see how each GM has grown and if the answers vary from series to series I will make it a regular part of the league. So without further ado, let's give the league what they want!


1. What got you interested in basketball? This could pertain to your childhood, or if you picked up on it later in life.

I was much more of a baseball and soccer fan growing up. Still played bball in school and what not but it was firmly in 3rd place on my sports hierarchy. Dwayne Wade's Heat run was the first time I really paid any attention to the NBA and haven't really looked back.

2. Are you an NBA fan? If so what's your favourite team?

With me being born in Kansas, I didn't have a hometown team to really root for growing up. Which is probably why I didn't watch much NBA to be honest, never found a team to vibe with. Most of what I did know was cheering for any NBA players that went to KU since they were my favorite college team at the time. Like I said in the previous question, the Heat were probably my first favorite with Dwayne Wade's performance in that playoff run to be inspiring. To find out my current favoirte team, you'll have to see the answer to question 3.

3. Who is your favourite player and why?

Andrew Wiggins. Ever since the high school mix tape dropped with nicknames of Maple Jordan being thrown around, I was hooked. ESPECIALLY because he decided to go to KU for college. Love his game and his athleticism and his career has been quite the journey to follow. Whichever team he is on is my favorite team. From my time as a lowly Twolves fan, to the championship run with Steph and Golden State, to the Miami Heat currently (full circle moment for me lol), I will be rooting for him and his team wherever he is at.

4. Tell us about your team, and where you are now with the roster?

Currently trying to find our identity. We want to be a defensive, grindy team really bad, but the personnel doesn't fully equate to that yet. I love what we are seeing from our 2 first rounders so far and I expect them to only get better as time goes on and we get better scheme fit players to join the squad. My PM's have been overloading the past few weeks as we've been messaging numerous teams a whole bunch of potential moves here and there. There are a few things materializing at the moment and expect to strike some deals soon. We at least hope it is soon because we do not like losing over here in Boston. That 9 game losing streak really stung and we hope these moves help our current situation while also providing flexibility moving forward to foster a welcoming place of development for the young guys on the team.

5. Give a detailed answer on how you approach drafting, trading, and coaching.

I know a lot of people believe in "best available talent" when it comes to drafting and figuring it out after that, and while I do understand that logic, I'm more of a "know what you want and get it" kind of a mindset. If you have any defensive prowess, you are on my radar. If you can't defend, you probably are not on my radar. As for trading, I believe in constant communication and relationship building is key. Nobody likes to deal with people they don't like, so I always try to be as responsive and respectful as possible in my negotiations. Regarding coaching, I believe in defense over everything. We can be the ugliest coached offense in the league scoring 87 a night, but if we are able to hold the other team to 86 or lower, that's a win.

Much thanks to Tulogit2Quit, and we hope you appreciate this insight into the BOS GM!

[Andrewu91]

A rebuild in Boston? That's completely new to me and I like that. About time.

Lose lose lose. Add talent in free agency and flip for assets and lose even more

[Tulogit2Quit]

A rebuild in Boston? That's completely new to me and I like that. About time.

Lose lose lose. Add talent in free agency and flip for assets and lose even more

*Retool and *win win win is the plan

[TheTwoWallaces]

You've been a great addition to the league. Glad to see the Celtics finally getting a new identity post-Dennis (sup Dennis, hope you're still lurking the forum)

Also I've never heard of an Andrew Wiggins fan lol. That's awesome

[cb4raptorscb4]

Respect for Wiggins being your favourite player. Now if only we could get him to play for Canada...

[Tulogit2Quit]

You've been a great addition to the league. Glad to see the Celtics finally getting a new identity post-Dennis (sup Dennis, hope you're still lurking the forum)

Also I've never heard of an Andrew Wiggins fan lol. That's awesome

One of the best feelings when Golden State had that title run with Wiggins. His dunk over Luka and him locking up Tatum in the finals had me feeling things

[Tulogit2Quit]

Respect for Wiggins being your favourite player. Now if only we could get him to play for Canada...

Canada has some great basketball talent throughout the league.

[andrei]

love the old school defense first approach. I tried that for a while as well but did not really work out well for me. I found that top defensive players usually come with a lot of baggage i.e. high scoring/low efficiency, poor Handles, No rebounding etc so ultimately you have to compromise and then you look at your team and it is far from a defensive juggernaut you envisioned. Or you are just bricking even more than your opponent and lose games. So balance appears to be key. Even some players who are at best average defensively can play a role on a defensive minded team.

[bt]

Absolutely one of the better GM's we've had come in. Working it out and what he wants to do with the team but seems a nice guy which is the best combo.

Looking forward to seeing how it plays out in Boston!

[Flaming Homer]

I really like your approach to D. As Andrei says, you probably will have to compromise later on to get enough efficient scoring around your top defense, but defense still wins championships.
I'm actually surprised how good your two draft picks look already. I thought they will need a while to get their impact up to par but they are looking ahead of schedule. And there is probably no better place for Moneke with this mindset. Hated to lose him but even virtually money is limited lol

On the personal note I can only confirm hat others said, its a pleasure to pm with you and talking about possible trades. No pressure, straight to the point what you want, that makes a good start for good trade talks.
Keep it up and enjoy this re-tool process.