Pfund chatted on May 22.
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Entering his 12th year with the HEAT organization, General Manager Randy Pfund continues his efforts to make the HEAT one of the best in the NBA in the areas of talent evaluation, salary cap planning, player relations and team services. He is among the new breed of executives who are the backbone of success for the organizations they represent.
Pfund, in a nutshell, is HEAT President Pat Riley's right hand man when it comes to player negotiations and organizational operations. His tireless work ethic and numerous contacts have helped him lead the HEAT to an unprecedented level of organizational success. Pfund chatted live with fans on May 22. See the complete chat transcript below:
chris fudenski : who do you have in mind for the 2nd pick in the draft
Randy Pfund: What we try to do in any draft, is first of all, evaluate the players we've looked at over the course of the season and develop a ranking of our top players. Then, you look at team needs and what you may be able to address somewhere during the summer with trades and free agency. In a perfect world, you'd like to draft the player you think is best, and then adjust trade scenarios and free agency accordingly.
PORT SAINT LUCIE: Would you consider trading the 2nd pick of this years draft? We really need a good center to play with wade & marion. We wont make it to the playoffs if we keep playing booth or barron or haslem. Please do not get rid of dorell wright!! We need him.
Thanks and good luck!
Bring us back in the playoffs baby!
Scott
Randy Pfund: The first job of an NBA executive is to look at all the options a team is provided during the draft, free agent season, trading both off-season and during the season, and development of young players and free agents. This is the highest draft pick the Heat has ever had and while we certainly will look at all possibilities, there are certain advantages of adding a good young player to your roster. Ultimately, we sit down together and give the infornation to our President Pat Riley, and he makes the decision.
Tom (orlando): What are your opinions of both beasley and rose?
Randy Pfund: Tom, if you're from Orlando are you a Heat fan or a Magic fan? If you're a Heat fan, I will tell you that Beasley provides a fantastic combination of inside and outside scoring. He's also an excellent rebounder. Derrick Rose has the ability to lead a fast break and provide the skills to run a team, which is so important in NBA basketball. If you're a Magic fan, I don't like either of those players. (Laughing)
Tim (Tampa): Hey Randy,
Where do we sit on salary cap scape right now and how flexible can we be in the next couple years? Do we have the room we need to make a splash?
Randy Pfund: That's an excellent question. Actually it points out one of the reasons why the Heat, although coming off a tough season, are in a very good position. Because we let several players leave over the last couple of years we have very good flexibility moving forward. It's possible that we could have salary cap room to make that "big splash" in the next couple of years.
J-dawg: We saw Chris Quinn develop over tthe later half of the season this year, what did you see out of him and do you think he can be a contributer in the future?
Randy Pfund: Watching Chris at Notre Dame I was always impressed by his steady play and shooting. After a couple of seasons in the NBA, I think he could be ready to make a big step forward as a player. We would like to have him on our roster, but will have to wait and see how the draft and free agency plays out.
Tubbs, Miami: How do you feel about your new coach? Is he up for the job?
Randy Pfund: I think the time is right for Erik Spoelstra to have an opportunity to be a head coach in the NBA. He will have the opportunity, much like Stan Van Gundy, to have a Hall of Fame Coach in Pat Riley to help him navigate the waters of a rookie season.
New York: Randy, with Erick Spoelstra as coach, will there be any significant changes in the gameplan, such as tempo, plays, defense etc. Thanks, looking forward to the 08 season!
Randy Pfund: Good question. Having been an assistant coach under Pat Riley myself, with the Lakers in the 1980s, I know there are a number of things you take from a coach that you've worked under. However, when you slide those 20 inches over on that bench, you also have to become your own man and coach the team the way you feel you want your team to play. I think it's a perfect combination to have a young coach and a mentor like Pat to be his guide or to help him out when needed.
Rob (Miami): What are the chances that Marion remains with the Heat and that Zo comes back for an other season?
Randy Pfund: One of the first issues we'll have to address is how Shawn Marion has the opportunity to continue as a Heat player. Coming to terms with any player can be a difficult task. Shawn, however, is the type of player that you would want on your team for a long time. It's interesting that you bring up Alonzo's name because he also represents the type of attitude, commitment and overall excellence that we'd like to find in all players who join the Heat.
Hopper: What are your predictions for the conference finals?
Randy Pfund: Lakers-Celtics.
Penny (Miami): Over your tenure at this organization, how have you seen the Heat change, and what's been the biggest positive since you've been here.
Randy Pfund: I'm happy to answer that question. Although this organization is committed to being as successful as possible on the floor we are also extremely committed to being an organiization that serves the community and our fans. I think the Arisons, the Riley and many of our staff and players have had a real impact on the people of Miami. We always try to keep current with the trends and hope we'll have something new for our fans next year.
Miguel (Portugal): Having the HEAT a young roster next season, with Derrick or Michael, obviously, what will be the target of the team for the 08/09 season? To reach the playoff's, the Eastern finals or even the title? I just ask this because with Dwyane, Shawn and Derrick/Michael everything is possible, I guess.
Thank you.
Randy Pfund: Hola! I just returned from scouting in Spain and Italy and your observation is correct. It's always difficult to put a new group of players together and having a new coach in the mix can make that even more difficult, however, as you said, with the ways we have to make our team better in the offseason, we hope we're going to have an exciting team by next season.
Randy Pfund: It's great to hear from our Heat fans as I travel Florida and around the world. I'm looking forward to the Heat getting back on the court next season. See you in London or Paris!
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