YOUR NEXT GM

What does it take to be a great General Manager (GM) in the NBA? Knowledge of the Xs and Os? Playing experience? A legal or business background? Knowledge of player personnel?

The key to being a great General Manager, above all else, is talent evaluation skills. Whether it is recognizing talent on another team, or in the draft, a great GM sees beyond what is happening on the court. A great example of this is Andrew Wiggins. While Wiggins lacks the Basketball IQ and shooting skills to succeed next season in the NBA, he has top flight athleticism. A great GM sees the intangibles that cannot be taught or learned through practice. It is up to Wiggins whether he will fully tap into his potential through hard work, but his athleticism cannot be taught, he was born with it. Examples in today's NBA include Demar DeRozan and Terrence Ross, both drafted by Bryan Colangelo.

In order for a team to succeed, they must have star power. No team wins without go-to scorers. Despite analytics and the eye test, though, we will never truly know how a big-name player will fit in on another roster until they are forced to play together. GMs have to be willing to take a risk for their team to take the next step. This position isn't for the faint of heart. Examples of this include the Toronto Raptors signing Hedo Turkoglu and trading for Rudy Gay. While these moves were unsuccessful, and placed a financial burden on the Raptors, the potential for success with "winning players" was worth the risk.

It is also necessary to have Basketball Operations experience to succeed as an NBA GM. Experienced management understand the ins and outs of running a team, and are familiar with the management of the other 29 teams. Established relationships build a foundation of trust amongst Managers, which allows the GMs to deal with each other, which culminates in trades. An individual like Bryan Colangelo has both the experience as a General Manager, and rapport with other teams around the league, which would allow him to step in and succeed from Day 1.

A GM must also be selfless and have strong moral fortitude. They cannot compromise the team's success for the security of their position. They must make decisions in the long term interest of their team, whether or not they will remain part of that future.

Lastly, a great GM dresses better than you. A great GM looks the part as much as he acts the part. He is professional at all times. Whether speaking in the media, or simply in their daily lives, they are representatives of a team and a city.

-Wes