The San Antonio Spurs organization continues to shine at every single level.
General manager R.C. Buford was named NBA Executive of the Year for the 2015-16 season on Monday, per Marc J. Spears of ESPN. This marks the second time in the last three years that Buford has taken home the honor.
Spurs GM R.C. Buford has been named the 2015-16 NBA Basketball Executive of the Year (previously won the award in 2013-14).
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) May 9, 2016
Here are the full voting results for the award:
2015-16 NBA Executive of the Year voting results. pic.twitter.com/IJoYIT5kb0
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) May 9, 2016
It’s worth noting that Buford won despite earning fewer first-place votes than Blazers general manager Neil Olshey. Interestingly enough, as Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical relays, Buford actually cast his own ballot for Olshey rather than for himself.
Incredibly deserving honor for R.C. Buford, but his own vote was cast for runner-up Neil Olshey, sources say. Great mutual respect.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) May 9, 2016
Buford has served as the general manager of the Spurs since 2002. He was magnificent all season long, landing perhaps the signing of the summer in LaMarcus Aldridge and convincing All-Star big man David West to leave millions on the table and join San Antonio for the veteran’s minimum. He was instrumental in orchestrating the returns of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Danny Green this past offseason as well.
Buford was also sublime on the midseason buyout market, adding veterans Kevin Martin and Andre Miller over the winter for mere pennies.
With the Spurs poised for yet another deep playoff run, Buford has helped provide a model of excellence and stability that all executives should aspire to.
Image Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
