Meet the New Boss: An Analysis of Teams with Multiple GMs
Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2016 12:17 pm
This wonderful league has been chugging along since the 1990 season. And for over half of the 29 teams, there has been a consistent face in the front office, making all personnel decisions without interruption (for the most part, more on that later). But not every team has had that consistency, and I think it's worth a look into the teams that have had two, three or in some cases five different GMs running the show. What I intend to do in this article is look at the 14 teams that have had at least two different GMs; analyze their individual tenures, records, successes and failures; and use that analysis to determine the best GM in those teams' history.
A few notes before we begin:
1. The Warriors had a one year hiccup where they were replaced by a RoboGM and stewards. This will not be recognized as multiple GMs, and the Warriors won't be analyzed for this article.
2. On that same note, no RoboGM/steward years will be used in determining the best GM. No matter the failures, no human GM will be considered worse than a computer.
3. I got my information using the Human Coaches and Past Champs parts of the index to determine who those GMs were and what their records were. If there are any discrepancies, it is likely because the index sometimes falsely reports things (reporting a GM as VACANT1 in early years, and also attributing records to GMs when they weren't currently the GM of that organization). I've done my best to account for these discrepancies, but something may have fallen through the cracks.
With that out of the way, let's dig in!
PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
1. Scarface 123
Total Record: 83-81
Playoff Appearances: 1
Best Result: First Round Exit
2. KUCoach
Total Record: 688-906
Playoff Appearances: 6
Best Result: Conference Finals
Scarface was one of the GMs who helped us find our way early on, as he had sim league experience when a lot of us were fumbling through the dark. However, one day he disappeared and never came back. He was replaced by KUCoach, who has done a great job of integrating himself into the league with great articles. He also assembled one of his best teams last year. Todd has been here for much longer than Scarface was, got further in the playoffs, and has contributed to the league positively. No contest here.
BEST GM IN PORTLAND HISTORY: KuCoach
DENVER NUGGETS
1. Kevin Blazer
Total Record: 83-81
Playoff Appearances: 1
Best Result: First Round Exit
2. TheSyndicate
Total Record: 726-868
Playoff Appearances: 9
Best Result: League Champion (2x)
Kevin Blazer. The GM who made sim bets a phenomenon. The GM who could never decide if he was a veteran or had never played the game before. The GM who tried to fight anyone he could. His short tenure was followed by TheSyndicate, who took a few years to get going but eventually took his team to two titles in a row. He also made the Sim Vegas fun to play for a while. So once again we have a GM who was only around for the first two seasons and in this case was a monstrous jerk; and we have a good guy who contributes to the league and won a ring. Hmmm, I wonder who the best was.
BEST GM IN DENVER HISTORY: TheSyndicate
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
1. Bojangles
Total Record: 295-361
Playoff Appearances: 1
Best Result: First Round Exit
2. Prince Amour
Total Record: 188-273
Playoff Appearances: 2
Best Result: Second Round Exit
3. Ballsohard
Total Record: 342-268
Playoff Appearances: 4
Best Result: League Champion (2x)
Bojangles, the GM who was so effective in the PR league, got burned early in a bad deal with Conroy and could never get his footing. He flamed out after a few seasons and was replaced with Prince Amour, who was marginally effective in his few seasons in Philly. After he stepped down, he was replaced by PBSL mainstay Ballsohard, who had already won a pair of titles in LA. Balls decided two was not enough, so he amassed 2 more in his stay in Philly. It wouldn't have taken that much for Ballsohard to be the best GM in Philly, but he overperformed that standard.
BEST GM IN PHILADELPHIA HISTORY: Ballsohard
ORLANDO MAGIC
1. ColtsGuy
Total Record: 785-937
Playoff Appearances: 11
Best Result: League Finals
2. False9
Total Record: 21-16
Playoff Appearances: 0
Best Result: First season
This probably isn't fair. ColtsGuy just retired after being one of the PR League originals (or as close to it as possible), and False9 is entering his first season. Maybe one day False9 will amass his own reputation, but ColtsGuy will be associated with the Magic for a long time.
BEST GM IN ORLANDO HISTORY: ColtsGuy
MIAMI HEAT
1. Sono (aka Snuglife)
Total Record: 51-113
Playoff Appearances: 0
Best Result: Missed Playoffs
2. LogPMess
Total Record: 722-822
Playoff Appearances: 10
Best Result: Conference Finals
At the start of PBSL, the GMs from the Heat and Wolves decided to switch teams. The Wolves GM is still here. The first Heat GM? Not so much. Sono/Snuglife/Grand Theft Otto/whatever you want to call him only lasted two seasons and quickly flamed out, despite having one of the young great players in Gary Payton. His replacement has had his share of ups and downs, but a conference finals appearance and good contributions to the league make this one pretty open-and-shut.
BEST GM IN MIAMI HISTORY: LogPMess
NEW YORK KNICKS
1. SSJ2 Gohan
Total Record: 148-98
Playoff Appearances: 3
Best Result: Conference Finals
2. not1not2not3
Total Record: 249-161
Playoff Appearances: 3
Best Result: Conference Finals
3. snuglife91
Total Record: 101-330
Playoff Appearances: 0
Best Result: Missed Playoffs
4. Troll Lord
Total Record: 91-118
Playoff Appearances: 1
Best Result: First Round Exit
5. Inner GI
Total Record: 193-172
Playoff Appearances: 3
Best Result: Second Round Exit
The Knicks started off as a real force in the PBSL. Their first two GMs rode David Robinson to a fantastic regular season record, and each were able to make Conference Finals appearances. Then in the new millennium, Snuglife became GM and the franchise stalled. Troll Lord had a blip of success, and Inner GI is taking marginal talent and somehow making them competitive consistently. If any GM can get the Knicks to their prior success, Inner GI could be the guy. For now, though, it's hard to argue against the early years of the Knicks, and of the first two GMs not1not2not3 gets the nod because he was a GM for longer.
BEST GM IN NEW YORK HISTORY: not1not2not3
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
1. J How
Total Record: 154-174
Playoff Appearances: 1
Best Result: First Round
2. Hire Norm
Total Record: 40-147
Playoff Appearances: 0
Best Result: Missed Playoffs
3. rr 1582
Total Record: 154-174
Playoff Appearances: 2
Best Result: Conference Finals
4. 42 PhD
Total Record: 157-335
Playoff Appearances: 1
Best Result: First Round
5. LHamilton
Total Record: 165-97
Playoff Appearances: 3
Best Result: First Round
What a mess it's been in Cleveland. J How is most known for giving one of the first awful contracts in this league. Hire Norm is known for being the only black mark in an otherwise good JNR GM referral program. 42 is known for challenging the system and perhaps pushing a little too hard. But even despite the bad, there has been some good. Softspoken rr getting the team to its only Conference Finals Appearance. 42 starting to build a team that would one day turn out dividends. LHamilton taking that team and paying those dividends. J How being a valuable member of the Shadow Council. So it wasn't all bad. Still, with most of that bad, rr's Conference Finals is what stands out the most, so he gets the nod here. If LHamilton continues to build on his good record so far and makes more playoff noise, he'll overtake this fairly easily.
BEST GM IN CLEVELAND HISTORY: rr 1582
CHICAGO BULLS
1. janjan janjan
Total Record: 182-228
Playoff Appearances: 3
Best Result: First Round Exit
2. J How
Total Record: 102-226
Playoff Appearances: 0
Best Result: Missed Playoffs
3. Prep P
Total Record: 264-270
Playoff Appearances: 5
Best Result: First Round Exit
4: Hugo
Total Record: 122-231
Playoff Appearances: 0
Best Result: Missed Playoffs
5. garbageman
Total Record: 31-48
Playoff Appearances: 0
Best Result: Missed Playoffs
Are the Bulls the worst franchise in PBSL history? Certainly seems like it. No GM with a winning record, never gotten out of the first round. It's been a turnstile in Chicago, as most GMs don't spend a long time before being shown the door. It's hard to pick a winner in this muck, and although I think the current Bulls team could eventually be something special, right now we have to give this honor to the GM with the most wins and most playoff appearances in franchise history.
BEST GM IN CHICAGO HISTORY: PREP P
DETROIT PISTONS
1. TrayWithAnA
Total Record: 498-577
Playoff Appearances: 6
Best Result: Conference Finals
2. Running Back15
Total Record: 254-439
Playoff Appearances: 2
Best Result: Second Round
For a minute there it looked like the Pistons would join the Pacers, Knicks, and Celtics as the dominant Eastern Conference teams of the early 90s. Then Tray lost his smile, and eventually lost his job. The current regime has been filled with talent, promise, and ultimately some missteps along the way. Despite both GMs having losing records, I don't think either GM did a necessarily bad job. The current team still could make some splashes. But he'll have to match the former regime's playoff success to supplant him as the best GM in franchise history.
BEST GM IN DETROIT HISTORY: TrayWithAnA
DALLAS MAVERICKS
1. Darth Vegito
Total Record: 423-233
Playoff Appearances: 6
Best Result: League Champion (2x)
2. FearTheBrow
Total Record: 625-477
Playoff Appearances: 10
Best Result: League Finals
One of the more successful franchises in the league, the Mavs have been blessed with two skilled and successful GMs. Darth was initially successful, then tanked one year -- the only year he didn't make the playoffs -- and was rewarded with Penny Hardaway, who he rode to two titles. Then after stepping down, FearTheBrow took over and was mocked for his trade of Hardaway -- then made the finals two years later. FTB has been a solid, steady GM who has been in charge nearly double the time of his predecessor. However, in the end the ring is the thing, and Darth has two.
BEST GM IN DALLAS HISTORY: Darth Vegito
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
1. G Messi
Total Record: 237-255
Playoff Appearances: 3
Best Result: Second Round Exit
2. aburns
Total Record: 698-569
Playoff Appearances: 7
Best Result: League Finals
For a few years this was probably a solid debate: G Messi was a steady, up-and-down GM, and aburns was running the team in much the same way. Then Kevin Durant happened. After drafting the phenom, burnsy became a focused GM putting together a strong team around KD. The result has been fascinating. The Clippers made the finals last year and are among the best teams in the league this year. It's hard to argue now: they're not saying boo, they're saying boo-urns.
BEST GM IN CLIPPERS HISTORY: aburns
SEATTLE SUPERSONICS
1. nicolas cajun
Total Record: 286-370
Playoff Appearances: 3
Best Result: First Round Exit
2. cchris c773
Total Record: 38-44
Playoff Appearances: 0
Best Result: Missed Playoffs
3. Trell
Total Record: 10-72
Playoff Appearances: 0
Best Result: Missed Playoffs
4. Darth Vegito
Total Record: 426-494
Playoff Appearances: 5
Best Result: Second Round Exit
The Sonics are also a team without much success, two pieces of mediocre bread surrounding two pieces of shit salami. I barely remember cchris, although I think there was some vague controversy around him that I'm forgetting. I definitely remember Trell, though -- who could forget such an athlete? In the end, it comes down to nic and Darth, and although neither have had great success, Darth has better win percentage, more playoff appearances, and a further playoff run. Kinda academic.
BEST GM IN SEATTLE HISTORY: Darth Vegito
PHOENIX SUNS
1. Inner GI
Total Record: 363-539
Playoff Appearances: 5
Best Result: Second Round
2. G Messi
Total Record: 354-471
Playoff Appearances: 4
Best Result: League Champion
Man, if it weren't for that tiny little championship this would be a sad franchise, wouldn't it? Both GMs struggled at times. A lot of talent has gone through Phoenix, but bad luck has mostly squandered it. Except for that one year where G Messi went on a historic run to win the title, of course. That ring is the bright spot for the Suns (get it?), so G Messi gets the nod here.
BEST GM IN PHOENIX HISTORY: G Messi
LOS ANGELES LAKERS
1. Ballsohard
Total Record: 574-410
Playoff Appearances: 9
Best Result: League Champion (2x)
2. Inner GI
Total Record: 131-33
Playoff Appearances: 2
Best Result: League Champion
3. TrayWithAnA
Total Record: 297-286
Playoff Appearances: 5
Best Result: Conference Finals
This is another very successful franchise. Each GM has done well to appease the fans in LA. It's tempting to consider Inner for best LA GM, because he had some remarkable efficiency: 2 years, 80% win percentage, 1 title. But Ballsohard made LA the place it is today. He won two rings and helped build the league. Balls joins Darth as the only GM to be the best GM of two franchises.
BEST GM IN LAKERS HISTORY: Ballsohard
Anything you want to add or dispute? Different opinions on any of these? Let me know!
A few notes before we begin:
1. The Warriors had a one year hiccup where they were replaced by a RoboGM and stewards. This will not be recognized as multiple GMs, and the Warriors won't be analyzed for this article.
2. On that same note, no RoboGM/steward years will be used in determining the best GM. No matter the failures, no human GM will be considered worse than a computer.
3. I got my information using the Human Coaches and Past Champs parts of the index to determine who those GMs were and what their records were. If there are any discrepancies, it is likely because the index sometimes falsely reports things (reporting a GM as VACANT1 in early years, and also attributing records to GMs when they weren't currently the GM of that organization). I've done my best to account for these discrepancies, but something may have fallen through the cracks.
With that out of the way, let's dig in!
PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
1. Scarface 123
Total Record: 83-81
Playoff Appearances: 1
Best Result: First Round Exit
2. KUCoach
Total Record: 688-906
Playoff Appearances: 6
Best Result: Conference Finals
Scarface was one of the GMs who helped us find our way early on, as he had sim league experience when a lot of us were fumbling through the dark. However, one day he disappeared and never came back. He was replaced by KUCoach, who has done a great job of integrating himself into the league with great articles. He also assembled one of his best teams last year. Todd has been here for much longer than Scarface was, got further in the playoffs, and has contributed to the league positively. No contest here.
BEST GM IN PORTLAND HISTORY: KuCoach
DENVER NUGGETS
1. Kevin Blazer
Total Record: 83-81
Playoff Appearances: 1
Best Result: First Round Exit
2. TheSyndicate
Total Record: 726-868
Playoff Appearances: 9
Best Result: League Champion (2x)
Kevin Blazer. The GM who made sim bets a phenomenon. The GM who could never decide if he was a veteran or had never played the game before. The GM who tried to fight anyone he could. His short tenure was followed by TheSyndicate, who took a few years to get going but eventually took his team to two titles in a row. He also made the Sim Vegas fun to play for a while. So once again we have a GM who was only around for the first two seasons and in this case was a monstrous jerk; and we have a good guy who contributes to the league and won a ring. Hmmm, I wonder who the best was.
BEST GM IN DENVER HISTORY: TheSyndicate
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
1. Bojangles
Total Record: 295-361
Playoff Appearances: 1
Best Result: First Round Exit
2. Prince Amour
Total Record: 188-273
Playoff Appearances: 2
Best Result: Second Round Exit
3. Ballsohard
Total Record: 342-268
Playoff Appearances: 4
Best Result: League Champion (2x)
Bojangles, the GM who was so effective in the PR league, got burned early in a bad deal with Conroy and could never get his footing. He flamed out after a few seasons and was replaced with Prince Amour, who was marginally effective in his few seasons in Philly. After he stepped down, he was replaced by PBSL mainstay Ballsohard, who had already won a pair of titles in LA. Balls decided two was not enough, so he amassed 2 more in his stay in Philly. It wouldn't have taken that much for Ballsohard to be the best GM in Philly, but he overperformed that standard.
BEST GM IN PHILADELPHIA HISTORY: Ballsohard
ORLANDO MAGIC
1. ColtsGuy
Total Record: 785-937
Playoff Appearances: 11
Best Result: League Finals
2. False9
Total Record: 21-16
Playoff Appearances: 0
Best Result: First season
This probably isn't fair. ColtsGuy just retired after being one of the PR League originals (or as close to it as possible), and False9 is entering his first season. Maybe one day False9 will amass his own reputation, but ColtsGuy will be associated with the Magic for a long time.
BEST GM IN ORLANDO HISTORY: ColtsGuy
MIAMI HEAT
1. Sono (aka Snuglife)
Total Record: 51-113
Playoff Appearances: 0
Best Result: Missed Playoffs
2. LogPMess
Total Record: 722-822
Playoff Appearances: 10
Best Result: Conference Finals
At the start of PBSL, the GMs from the Heat and Wolves decided to switch teams. The Wolves GM is still here. The first Heat GM? Not so much. Sono/Snuglife/Grand Theft Otto/whatever you want to call him only lasted two seasons and quickly flamed out, despite having one of the young great players in Gary Payton. His replacement has had his share of ups and downs, but a conference finals appearance and good contributions to the league make this one pretty open-and-shut.
BEST GM IN MIAMI HISTORY: LogPMess
NEW YORK KNICKS
1. SSJ2 Gohan
Total Record: 148-98
Playoff Appearances: 3
Best Result: Conference Finals
2. not1not2not3
Total Record: 249-161
Playoff Appearances: 3
Best Result: Conference Finals
3. snuglife91
Total Record: 101-330
Playoff Appearances: 0
Best Result: Missed Playoffs
4. Troll Lord
Total Record: 91-118
Playoff Appearances: 1
Best Result: First Round Exit
5. Inner GI
Total Record: 193-172
Playoff Appearances: 3
Best Result: Second Round Exit
The Knicks started off as a real force in the PBSL. Their first two GMs rode David Robinson to a fantastic regular season record, and each were able to make Conference Finals appearances. Then in the new millennium, Snuglife became GM and the franchise stalled. Troll Lord had a blip of success, and Inner GI is taking marginal talent and somehow making them competitive consistently. If any GM can get the Knicks to their prior success, Inner GI could be the guy. For now, though, it's hard to argue against the early years of the Knicks, and of the first two GMs not1not2not3 gets the nod because he was a GM for longer.
BEST GM IN NEW YORK HISTORY: not1not2not3
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
1. J How
Total Record: 154-174
Playoff Appearances: 1
Best Result: First Round
2. Hire Norm
Total Record: 40-147
Playoff Appearances: 0
Best Result: Missed Playoffs
3. rr 1582
Total Record: 154-174
Playoff Appearances: 2
Best Result: Conference Finals
4. 42 PhD
Total Record: 157-335
Playoff Appearances: 1
Best Result: First Round
5. LHamilton
Total Record: 165-97
Playoff Appearances: 3
Best Result: First Round
What a mess it's been in Cleveland. J How is most known for giving one of the first awful contracts in this league. Hire Norm is known for being the only black mark in an otherwise good JNR GM referral program. 42 is known for challenging the system and perhaps pushing a little too hard. But even despite the bad, there has been some good. Softspoken rr getting the team to its only Conference Finals Appearance. 42 starting to build a team that would one day turn out dividends. LHamilton taking that team and paying those dividends. J How being a valuable member of the Shadow Council. So it wasn't all bad. Still, with most of that bad, rr's Conference Finals is what stands out the most, so he gets the nod here. If LHamilton continues to build on his good record so far and makes more playoff noise, he'll overtake this fairly easily.
BEST GM IN CLEVELAND HISTORY: rr 1582
CHICAGO BULLS
1. janjan janjan
Total Record: 182-228
Playoff Appearances: 3
Best Result: First Round Exit
2. J How
Total Record: 102-226
Playoff Appearances: 0
Best Result: Missed Playoffs
3. Prep P
Total Record: 264-270
Playoff Appearances: 5
Best Result: First Round Exit
4: Hugo
Total Record: 122-231
Playoff Appearances: 0
Best Result: Missed Playoffs
5. garbageman
Total Record: 31-48
Playoff Appearances: 0
Best Result: Missed Playoffs
Are the Bulls the worst franchise in PBSL history? Certainly seems like it. No GM with a winning record, never gotten out of the first round. It's been a turnstile in Chicago, as most GMs don't spend a long time before being shown the door. It's hard to pick a winner in this muck, and although I think the current Bulls team could eventually be something special, right now we have to give this honor to the GM with the most wins and most playoff appearances in franchise history.
BEST GM IN CHICAGO HISTORY: PREP P
DETROIT PISTONS
1. TrayWithAnA
Total Record: 498-577
Playoff Appearances: 6
Best Result: Conference Finals
2. Running Back15
Total Record: 254-439
Playoff Appearances: 2
Best Result: Second Round
For a minute there it looked like the Pistons would join the Pacers, Knicks, and Celtics as the dominant Eastern Conference teams of the early 90s. Then Tray lost his smile, and eventually lost his job. The current regime has been filled with talent, promise, and ultimately some missteps along the way. Despite both GMs having losing records, I don't think either GM did a necessarily bad job. The current team still could make some splashes. But he'll have to match the former regime's playoff success to supplant him as the best GM in franchise history.
BEST GM IN DETROIT HISTORY: TrayWithAnA
DALLAS MAVERICKS
1. Darth Vegito
Total Record: 423-233
Playoff Appearances: 6
Best Result: League Champion (2x)
2. FearTheBrow
Total Record: 625-477
Playoff Appearances: 10
Best Result: League Finals
One of the more successful franchises in the league, the Mavs have been blessed with two skilled and successful GMs. Darth was initially successful, then tanked one year -- the only year he didn't make the playoffs -- and was rewarded with Penny Hardaway, who he rode to two titles. Then after stepping down, FearTheBrow took over and was mocked for his trade of Hardaway -- then made the finals two years later. FTB has been a solid, steady GM who has been in charge nearly double the time of his predecessor. However, in the end the ring is the thing, and Darth has two.
BEST GM IN DALLAS HISTORY: Darth Vegito
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
1. G Messi
Total Record: 237-255
Playoff Appearances: 3
Best Result: Second Round Exit
2. aburns
Total Record: 698-569
Playoff Appearances: 7
Best Result: League Finals
For a few years this was probably a solid debate: G Messi was a steady, up-and-down GM, and aburns was running the team in much the same way. Then Kevin Durant happened. After drafting the phenom, burnsy became a focused GM putting together a strong team around KD. The result has been fascinating. The Clippers made the finals last year and are among the best teams in the league this year. It's hard to argue now: they're not saying boo, they're saying boo-urns.
BEST GM IN CLIPPERS HISTORY: aburns
SEATTLE SUPERSONICS
1. nicolas cajun
Total Record: 286-370
Playoff Appearances: 3
Best Result: First Round Exit
2. cchris c773
Total Record: 38-44
Playoff Appearances: 0
Best Result: Missed Playoffs
3. Trell
Total Record: 10-72
Playoff Appearances: 0
Best Result: Missed Playoffs
4. Darth Vegito
Total Record: 426-494
Playoff Appearances: 5
Best Result: Second Round Exit
The Sonics are also a team without much success, two pieces of mediocre bread surrounding two pieces of shit salami. I barely remember cchris, although I think there was some vague controversy around him that I'm forgetting. I definitely remember Trell, though -- who could forget such an athlete? In the end, it comes down to nic and Darth, and although neither have had great success, Darth has better win percentage, more playoff appearances, and a further playoff run. Kinda academic.
BEST GM IN SEATTLE HISTORY: Darth Vegito
PHOENIX SUNS
1. Inner GI
Total Record: 363-539
Playoff Appearances: 5
Best Result: Second Round
2. G Messi
Total Record: 354-471
Playoff Appearances: 4
Best Result: League Champion
Man, if it weren't for that tiny little championship this would be a sad franchise, wouldn't it? Both GMs struggled at times. A lot of talent has gone through Phoenix, but bad luck has mostly squandered it. Except for that one year where G Messi went on a historic run to win the title, of course. That ring is the bright spot for the Suns (get it?), so G Messi gets the nod here.
BEST GM IN PHOENIX HISTORY: G Messi
LOS ANGELES LAKERS
1. Ballsohard
Total Record: 574-410
Playoff Appearances: 9
Best Result: League Champion (2x)
2. Inner GI
Total Record: 131-33
Playoff Appearances: 2
Best Result: League Champion
3. TrayWithAnA
Total Record: 297-286
Playoff Appearances: 5
Best Result: Conference Finals
This is another very successful franchise. Each GM has done well to appease the fans in LA. It's tempting to consider Inner for best LA GM, because he had some remarkable efficiency: 2 years, 80% win percentage, 1 title. But Ballsohard made LA the place it is today. He won two rings and helped build the league. Balls joins Darth as the only GM to be the best GM of two franchises.
BEST GM IN LAKERS HISTORY: Ballsohard
Anything you want to add or dispute? Different opinions on any of these? Let me know!