Spotlight Article - MIL

[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 guess I grew tall fast and I was one of tallest guys at school, so basketball was a natural choice. I can't remember exactly when I started playing, but maybe around 11 or 12 years old. I started playing at center and as the years went by and others grew tall as well I switched to forward.

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

Tricky question. Strictly speaking, I used to be an NBA fan, but today's game does not look too appealing to me. First thing I remember watching here in Spain was in the late 80s, the Lakers and Celtics rivalry. However, my favourite team was the Suns of that era, with Kevin Johnson, Dan Majerle, Tom Chambers, Armen Gilliam, Jeff Hornacek, etc ... I don't know why, though, maybe it was the uniform colours. I kind of followed them intermittently through the 90s and then the Steve Nash era. My second team was the Atlanta Hawks, but not as "favourite" as the Suns. I actually liked a lot their logo and uniform in the late 80s / early 90s, Moses Malone and Dominique Wilkins era.

3. Who is your favourite player and why?

Dan Majerle. I know there are so many players better than him, but when I got into the NBA he was there with the Suns, and if I remember properly he set the then record for three-pointers in an NBA playoffs game (of course nothing compared with today's three-pointer frenzy).

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

I've been absent since the season started and found the team is 13-12 when coming back. I expected to contend, and still got to take a closer look at what has happened, but it seems some injuries may have played a role here. This roster is built to win a title, or at least try to do so. We have an experienced core but still in their prime with Troy Brown, Grant Williams, Daniel Gafford, Nassir Little and others, and some young players starting to find their role. If we can become a better offensive team we may actually have a chance. I don't rule out a trade before the deadline if I think it can take us to where we want to be.

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

I'll start with the one I like the least out of the three: trading. I only make a trade if it's fair and it's needed. That is, it solves an issue without generating another one. For me is the last option to improve. Regarding drafting, I scout intensely (not yet this season, though, due to my absence) and usually have a good idea of how players can fit our system. Then it's not about the best player available, but about the player that fits best among those still on the board. We have picked some very good underrated players in the last few drafts, as Enzo Shahrvin who was the last selection of his draft and he has been slowly growing into a very good role player. Patience is the key. As for coaching, that is my favourite part when I have the time. Back in the day when I had more free time I used to plan for every game, looking thoroughly at the opponent, potential flaws to exploit with matchups, etc ... In DDS engines (all of them) offense has always prevailed over defense, that is, regardless of your defensive scheme the offense is going to execute its plan (e.g. a zone defense does not prevent the opponent from driving into the paint). So the way to go is matchups. Both defensively (assigning players to guard specific opponents) and offensively (setting the rotation in the submatrix).

Much thanks to mgtr81, and we hope you appreciate this insight into the MIL GM!

[bt]

Definitely have a soft spot for Thunder Dan being a Heat fan (towards the end I know).

Definitely got the respect of many the way you go about things and if you had more time, I've no doubt you'd go pretty close.

[Flaming Homer]

The lack of time is unfortunate since your team is primed for the playoffs and in a close East every win counts and the lack of detail work explains the record. But that is RL, there is always something.

I hope you can free a bit more time and bring this team clearly in the playoff picture, they will be a tough out during the playoffs.

As you know, I value your patience with your team a lot, That is the right approach for me too. You need a trade here and there to cover weaknesses, but I always hope that my draft picks can develop and enjoy if it indeed happens.
The coaching part is not that big to me, I just think that DDS doesn't offer much in this regard