If the NBA awards a trophy each year to reward the best manager in the league, which is currently held by Brad Stevens (Celtics), The Athletic decided to go further. To do this, questioning a panel of around forty people (presidents, vice-presidents, GMs and assistant GMs) in order to elect the best “front office” (or organization chart) in the NBA.
The difference being that this honorary title rewards the good work over several years of an entire team, from the owner to the coach including the president/GM, but not just an individual. And in this little game, it's Thunder which triumphs hands down thanks to a triplet composed of Clayton Bennett (owner), Sam Presti (GM) and Mark Daigneault (trainer).
A consistent ranking
With a total of 354 points, but above all 29 first places, OKC is no more and no less than the reigning champions, since the Celtics collect 250 points (with 9 first places) thanks to Wyc Grousbeck (owner), Brad Stevens (president) and Joe Mazzulla (coach).
The podium is completed by the Heat of Micky Arison (owner), Pat Riley (president) and Erik Spoelstra (coach). Certainly without first place, but with 114 points at the finish. Next come the Grizzlies (64 points) and Timberwolves (54 points), the last two teams to secure a first place each.
Note that each voter had to constitute their Top 5 and that the scale is organized as follows: 10 points for a first place, 7 points for a second place, 5 points for a third place, 3 points for a fourth place and finally 1 point for fifth place.
The complete ranking
1. Oklahoma City Thunder — 354 points (including 29 first places)
2. Boston Celtics — 250 points (including 9 first places)
3. Miami Heat — 114 points
4. Memphis Grizzlies — 64 points (including 1 first place)
5. Minnesota Timberwolves — 54 points (including 1 first place)
6. New York Knicks — 41 points
7. Orlando Magic — 33 points
8. Cleveland Cavaliers — 30 points
9. Golden State Warriors — 21 points
10. San Antonio Spurs — 14 points
11. Houston Rockets — 11 points
11. Indiana Pacers — 11 points
13. Philadelphia Sixers — 10 points
14. Utah Jazz — 9 points
15. Dallas Mavericks — 8 points
16. Brooklyn Nets — 6 points
17. Milwaukee Bucks — 3 points
18. Toronto Raptors — 2 points
19. Denver Nuggets — 1 point
19. Los Angeles Clippers — 1 point
19. Washington Wizards — 1 point
Did not receive any votes : Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings
