Ranking the first batch of New Orleans Pelicans’ GM candidates
By Nolan Jensen
3. Larry Harris – Golden State’s Director of Player Personnel
On paper, this is quite appealing. Coming from an organization that has had no shortage of success in recent years, Harris has played a prevalent role within the team’s front office. Currently, in his eighth season with the team, Harris has worked his way through the ranks from scout to DIrector of Player Personnel. What this role entails: Harris is a talent evaluator for both collegiate and professional basketball players and has in hand in what transpires in offseason acquisitions.
Prior to this role, he had been a General Manager of the Milwaukee Bucks from 2003-2007. Harris did not find much success in this role. Notably, he drafted Andrew Bogut in 2005 with the first overall pick when both Deron Williams and Chris Paul were available. Bogut has been a solid role player and has even led the league in blocks one season (2.6 in 2010), but a transcendent talent like Paul always surpasses a player like Bogut.
He’s also been no stranger to questionable trades. In 2005, he traded away Desmond Mason (who was coming off a career season) and a first-round draft pick for Jamaal Magloire. Sending away a future first will rarely pan out, and topping it off by trading for a player who would be on his third team by the age of twenty-six? Not a good look. His best season as a member of the Bucks came with a 41-41 record. But then again, he started from scratch and has proved to be a significant contributor to a dynasty. The prospect of this hire is interesting, but we can do better.