The last big free agent he signed was LaMarcus Aldridge, who he was able to pry away from the Portland Trail Blazers once he became a free agent. Very rarely did he make a big free agent splash.
He drafted Leonard, who became a star with the team before having friction with the team during the 2017-18 season due to an injury. Despite having the moniker as a small market team, it is one of the premier teams to play for in the league.īuford’s philosophy has been to develop through the draft. Young also said Buford has been taking business and leadership classes.ĭuring his 15-plus seasons as the Spurs GM, he helped guide the team to several championships for a small market team. Reporter Jabari Young - who wrote the story for The Athletic - reported that Buford will take over a leadership role within Spurs Sports & Entertainment. He was eventually traded in a blockbuster deal to the Toronto Raptors with Danny Green for DeMar DeRozan and Jakob Pöltl and a 2019 1st round draft pick. Last summer, he helped Buford field offers for disgruntled star Kawhi Leonard. He also helped and advanced through the organization in the past year. In addition, in The Athletic post, Brian Wright will get the new GM post. It is expected that Buford’s assistant will be the team’s new GM. Buford will move into a new role in the organization in the near furure. Tagged Anthony Caruso III, Basketball, NBA, San Antonio Spurs, Sports, The Capital Sports Report, Tim Duncan Leave a commentĪccording to The Athletic, San Anronio Spurs General Manger R.C. Messina left to become a head coach, as he was named the leader of Olimpia Milano in the Italian Lega Basket Serie A league. Udoka joined the Philadelphia 76ers as an assistant coach. Ime Udoka and Ettore Messina were the two assistant coaches, who moved on. “It is only fitting, that after I served loyally for 19 years as Tim Duncan’s assistant, that he returns the favor,” Popovich said.ĭuring the off-season, the Spurs lost two assistant coaches. Hardy has been a part of the organization since serving as an intern in 2010.īoth are expected to join Becky Hammon in the front bench next to Popovich. His Jersey was retired on Decemwhen he became the eighth different Spurs player to be retired.ĭuncan and new assistant coach Will Hardy were added to the coaching staff on Monday. Their final championship together came in 2014. During this time, the duo helped the Spurs to five championships. The 43-year-old will work under Gregg Popovich.Ĭoach Pop was Duncan’s Head Coach during his entire tenure with the team. This will be Duncan’s first opportunity as a coach.
Duncan - one of the team’s greatest players - last played during the 2015-16 season. The San Antonio Spurs have hired Tim Duncan as an assistant coach.