R.C. Buford recently took time out to answer questions submitted by Spurs E-News (signup now!) subscribers about what life is like as the General Manager of the San Antonio Spurs.
Question: How hard is it to make decisions regarding who stays and who goes on the Spurs roster? And how do you finalize player transactions as far as trading players and signing them.
R.C. Buford: It’s very difficult and we do it as a group. Both our coaching staff and our scouting staff spend a lot of time working together to determine who fits. It’s a group process, but it’s always very difficult because the difference between the last guy who makes the roster and the guy who doesn’t is normally very thin.
Question: Do you believe that the Spurs will be a “big player” in the free agent market as there will be an array of NBA talent looking for a new home?
R.C. Buford: We’re always looking to take advantage of the opportunities that we have, whether it’s through free agency or the draft, and trying to maximize our resources.
Question: What advice would you give to someone with dreams of being an assistant coach in the NCAA, NAIA, or NJCAA or the NBA?
R.C. Buford: Take every opportunity you have to put yourself in good basketball settings whether it’s camps, clinics or situations where there are going to be people making those hiring decisions that will be able to evaluate your skills.
Question: What rule changes would you like to see implemented with regard to the NBDL?
R.C. Buford: I guess that if there’s anything that I’d like to see changed it’s the limitation of only two years for assignment players.
Question: Would you please update us on the progress of Tiago Splitter, James Gist and Robertas Javtokas?
R.C. Buford: Tiago has had a good start with Tao. He was injured early, but since he’s come back played well. James Gist is on an emerging team with Biella and Robertas has done well so far.
Question: Could you update us on the SEEDS Academy? Has Anne or yourself made any recent trips to Africa?
R.C. Buford: We were both over there in August. The academy continues to grow and provide great opportunities for young men in Senegal to learn both life skills and basketball.
http://www.nba.com/spurs/features/buford_mailbox_081202.html
