SAN ANTONIO — Spurs president R.C. Buford, considered the preeminent executive in the NBA, says Phil Jackson doesn’t need his advice as he plows through a new job.
Buford recently was named 2014 Executive of the Year, and his Spurs are three wins a way from their sixth Finals berth since 1999.
“Phil knows how to build teams,’’ Buford told The Post at AT&T Center Monday night. “He’ll be terrific. We’re are all chasing what he built and developed. I don’t think he needs anyone’s help.’’
As a coach with the Bulls and Lakers, Jackson won 11 titles. Buford’s Spurs have captured four championships and were three seconds away from a fifth last June in Miami. The Spurs have posted 15 straight 50-win seasons.
While Warriors consultant Jerry West says Jackson has his work cut out for him in adjusting from coach to executive, Buford disagrees.
“Team building is team building,’’ Buford said. “He’s obviously had a big influence in several different circumstances that have been successful. There’s all kinds of limitations in building a team and he’s faced with some with their current situation, but I don’t know if there’s been a finer team builder. I don’t know how you can predict how successful he would be, but I wouldn’t bet against his credentials.’’
After the Knicks hired Jackson for five years and $60 million in March, some NBA insiders wondered why owner James Dolan didn’t take half that moolah and make a run at Buford or Oklahoma City GM Sam Presti, a Buford disciple. It’s no surprise they are battling in the Western Conference Finals.
According to a source close to Buford, the Kansas native likely would not have been interested in taking Dolan’s money to move to New York and away from the great Gregg Popovich.
“He believes he’s got the greatest job in the league and works with the greatest people,’’ the source said. “Why would he want to leave that?’’
During the Chicago draft combine last week, Detroit’s new president/coach Stan Van Gundy said he hopes to have a sitdown with Spurs officials to see how to run a franchise the right way. Van Gundy hoped Buford would be willing because the downtrodden Pistons compete in a difference conference. But that meeting doesn’t seem likely, considering Buford’s secretive ways.
During a 45-minute Q & A in the Austin American Statesman, Buford wouldn’t reveal his tricks. “I can’t tell you – if I told you, everybody would be doing it,’’ he said.
But he said the way he picks players is a science.
“We have a specific list of deal-breakers that are non-negotiable,’’ Buford said. “If players want New York or LA, they’re not going to come here. … If someone’s more interested in winning scoring titles, this probably isn’t the place for them.’’