Forbes Don't Know Basketball

Forbes isn't a sports magazine. It's about money, so it's not surprising that their list of best GMs in North American sports features some "dark horses," by sports standards. But how could this be right? #1 on their list is Kevin McHale. And if that weren't enough, #3 is BILLY KING! What? How is that possible? Forget their records, forget their colorful histories of boneheaded moves. How could the T-Wolves and Sixers be even financially viable, let alone successful, let alone two of the most successful in the NBA? There must be something on this list I'm missing, so if anyone out there can explain this, please do. Like why Brian Colangelo is 2nd to last on the list? Or how they could possibly justify Bickerstaff (lowest payroll) behind Isiah (highest payroll in universe). And why would R.C. Buford (Spurs) be behind Ernie Grunfeld (Wizards)? In fact, as TrueHoop points out, Buford is widely agreed to be the best in the biz. Know how you can tell? You never hear his name. He doesn't need to talk it up, doesn't need to comment on anything, 'cause his ship runs so damn smoothly. He seamlessly integrates new players with old, foreign with domestic, rookies and vets, etc. You never hear of discontent players in the locker room and you never hear about egos trying to co-exist. And you never hear about boneheads like Eddie Griffin and Chris Webber, bitching and moaning about god knows what, because Buford would never have signed them in the first place. Here's how the list looks. Here's how the list should look (at least the top 10):
1) R. C. Buford, San Antonio Spurs. Arguably the best team in the league for 10+ seasons and counting.
2) Brian Colangelo, Phoenix Suns/Toronto Raptors. Redefining game with foreign influences. Turned Suns into powerhouse, doing the same for Toronto.
3) John Paxson, Chicago Bulls. Took hapless, Jordanless, Bulls from embarrassment to contenders in remarkably short order. Seemingly preternatural ability to spot rookie talent.
4) Donnie Nelson, Dallas Mavericks. Best team in the league? A contender for the last 5 years, at least.
5) Joe Dumars, Detroit Pistons. Built the David that slayed Goliath.
6) Geoff Petrie, Sacramento Kings. Been packing Arco since the late '90s. Maybe the fans favorite GM.
7) Randy Pfund, Miami Heat. Hard to argue with the guy who put Riley, Wade and Shaq together with a trophy.
8) Jerry West, Memphis Grizzlies. The most basketball savvy and straight up guy there is. Built an efficient team oriented squad from nothing.
9)Elgin Baylor, LA Clippers. His team is the LA Clippers and they're on the verge of their second straight playoff appearance. Enough said?
10) Larry Bird, Indiana Pacers. His personnel choices have been suspect, but he still finds a way to win games with a pack of malcontents, criminals and idiots.

Head nod goes to TrueHoop for bringing this to our attention.