I don't know how these guys do it. I come up with trade scenarios that look pretty good some times..and when it comes to NBA live and Real GM i've got no problem pulling the trigger on a trade. But dealing with actual people and dealing them like they're trading cards or something i think takes a really thick skin and strong mind. I remember finding out about the Tmac trade and i was over the moon, then i took a second to think about how Shi**y Stevie would've felt. This was a guy who wanted to be a rocket for life, i mean how rare is it to find a player who wants to be with the one squad his entire career? And they just traded him. He's gone. He has to pack up, move everything and this is especially tough on the players with families who have to move their kids to another school, the wife's gotta make new friends. I don't think i could tell a player he's been traded, especially one who never wanted to go in the first place. These General Managers have cool jobs, its something everybody here thinks they could do and do well. But do you think you really could do it? I suppose on the flip side these players makes millions, tens of millions to play basketball..i just keep telling myself that and i feel a little better.
I would rather be an NBA GM as opposed to any other sport. With the NBA you only have 15 players to worry about instead of 40, 50+ rosters in other sports.
I wouldnt have a problem doing to....I guess because I'd know how much these guys were making to play a game.
Walmart managers have one of the toughest jobs in the world- also thankless. As a NBA GM -with a multi year contract with a buyout-even if you pulled a Scott Layden or Ernie Grunfeld and overpay for inappropriate talent- you would still be rich and set for life. Plus think of the seats you would have for at least one season before being fired. Think of the moral terpitude you could commit with the cheerleaders!! If they sue - do not worry- the team pays...
I could easily do it......it is a players choice to play or not......they could walk away from the insane money and choose a lifestyle that is more secure. DD
I'd like to think so. But I'm sure I'd be chewed up inside of a month. I don't think the real difficulty is conscience, I percieve the toughest aspect of a GM's job to be negotiating with agents and maintaining a strong working relationship with coaches (especially ones like Larry "Trade That Mother%^$&$ Today!" Brown). You may despise the David Falks, Scott Boras's, and Rob Pelinka's of the world, but you have to go through them if you want guys on the team. Ugly. Evan
I'd rather be a GM telling a millionaire he's been traded than a manager having to tell some guy making $8/hour he's being laid off.
I agree- it is painful telling someone you have to lay them off. It would be a completely different experience as an NBA GM though. More complex issues with the cap, player chemistry-personality issues make it tough in a different way. Do not feel alone though. There are very few accomplished GM's on the planet. Even Pat Riley has made mistakes-and I think he comes closest to being an accomplished coach and GM. Remember Riley was willing to pay Juwan 100mil contract.....
I have had to lay off over 100 people in the last 10 years or so...we grow, we shrink... Every darned time...it sucks... DD
