The New Jersey Nets have hired Kiki Vandeweghe as an executive.
Special Assistant
Kiki Vandeweghe’s new job title hasn’t been revealed yet. Right now, he’s basically a special assistant to team president Rod Thorn.
We’re taking a guess here, but the job will probably require Kiki Vandeweghe to do several general manager duties. After his fantastic work rebuilding the Denver Nuggets, Kiki Vandeweghe’s stock is still pretty high. We can’t imagine that he’d take a job that wasn’t of high importance.
Kiki Vandeweghe will be heavily involved in the upcoming NBA draft. First, though, he’ll be responsible for preparing the team for the upcoming trade deadline.
The position became available about a month ago when the former general manager Ed Stefanski left the team to take over the Philadelphia 76ers.
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New York Knicks
There were strong indications that Kiki Vandeweghe was the top candidate to replace Isiah Thomas in New York. He’s a former New York Knick, which should buy him a few weeks of clemency until the fans turn on him. Kiki Vandweghe also reportedly has the support of the league offices to take over the position. David Stern and his staff are fully about the problems with the New York Knicks, and they are more than willing to provide “suggestions” on how to fix things. Kiki Vandeweghe’s signing with the New Jersey Nets could mean that Isiah Thomas has his job secured for another year. Then again, the fact that he has yet to receive the official title of general manager could lead many to believe that his gig with the New Jersey Nets is only a temporary job until the New York Knicks come to their senses. |
Credentials
From 2001 through 2006, Kiki Vandeweghe served as the general manager for the Denver Nuggets. He’s been credited with rebuilding the franchise.
Kiki Vandeweghe gave the team a nice foundation by signing free agent guard Andre Miller, drafting franchise player Carmelo Anthony, and traded for tremendous size in Nene and Marcus Camby. He was also able to provide the team quality depth by adding veteran guards like Earl Boykins, Voshon Lenard, and Jon Barry.
Of course, Kiki Vandeweghe made the biggest mistake of his career by trading three 1st round draft picks to acquire forward Kenyon Martin.
Ironically, Kenyon Martin was acquired from the New Jersey Nets. For helping the team get rid of the underachieving and disappointing forward, Kiki Vandeweghe should also be given 50% ownership of the franchise as well.
Closing Thoughts
Rod Thorn may have just hired the man who will take over for him so he can step aside.