Rod Thorn (NJ's anti-Zeke)

I'm tired of always criticizing people so i wanted to take the time to acknowledge one of the better GM's in the game: Rod Thorn. Thorn started off his reign as Nets gm by trading Eddie Griffin who is now basically out of the league for Richard Jefferson, and Jason Collins. Collins while not good is better than Griffin (although thorn did make a mistake in paying him too much after his rookie contract was up) and RJ is a potential superstar although his development is unfortunately being retarded by VC. The next year he was able to get a then 18 year old Nenad Krstic with the 24th pick in the first round (their were only 28 teams at the time). Krstic is now 23 and if not for an injury last year would have been a much needed low post presence averaging around 16 points and 7 boards a game.

He has made some mistakes, in 2003 he selected Zoran Planinic, Christian Drejer in 2004 and Antoine Wright in 2005 (the last of whom I'm not willing to admit is a total bust yet). However even when he has his hands tied needing to trade Alonzo Mourning he is able to turn that into VC. Say what you will about VC (and i certainly have) but getting him for Alonzo Mourning who's kidney disease was still a question, had quit on the team and had asked for a trade, is a steal. Then last year he picked up Marcus Williams the heir apparent to Jason Kidd and Josh Boone who was very effective in limited minutes last year.

Speaking of Jason Kidd, Thorn made the small move that brought him to NJ. If not for that move the Nets would be, well... the Knicks. He moved Stephon Marbury for Jason Kidd, the main reason the Nets made two conference finals runs and have made the playoffs every year since he came to the team, while Marbury's teams have done not a damn thing. Thorn resigned VC the other day which was unfortunate, but the other option was to let him walk and not be able to replace him. It's an option that may not have been worse than signing him, but they were certainly close. That being said the owner loves Carter and he's the one paying the checks so Thorn made the deal. knowing he would have carter on the squad Thorn made the correct move and took Sean Williams, by far the best option for the Nets despite his past troubles.

Not enough for you? oh, well... he also selected one Micheal Jordan.