2023 NSL General Manager of the Year Award: Nominees

One of the most prestigious awards there is, the General Manager of the Year (GMOTY) award is the highest honour fellow GMs can bestow to one of their peers. This award encompasses just how difficult a job being an effective manager is, and how those who get so much right, deserve the honour and recognition of doing so.

The award considers, but not limited to, trading, on court performance, community impact, season-to-season improvement, player development.




I will try and take an objective look at the managers and their cases but it�s not my fault if some spice accidentally falls into the pot.

Who has stood out amongst the crowd as a manager worthy of this award? Here are who I think are the most likely, worthy nominees for GMOTY:



Shams � Cleveland Cavaliers

Some loudmouth on some loudmouth podcast proclaimed, all the way back in December, that the Cavaliers might finish the season on top in the East. If it hadn�t been for the Wizards heater at the trade table, they still would be my pick. However, the Wizards� development along with Clarke being out for the season means that the Cavaliers will not finish on top. However, that doesn�t dampen their GMOTY credentials, whatsoever. Before the season began, no one even had the Cavaliers in the playoffs, except for Nenjabin, who had just traded with them and siphoned some value. In spite of that, Shams knew what he was doing, and he pieced together a roster and lineup that with players complementary to one another. Shams is competitive, a fantastic community member, respectful trader and good, resourceful tactician. Will garner a lot of votes.

It must feel great to have everyone doubt you, and then make everyone doubt themselves for not seeing what you did. Well done, Shams.


Nelso � San Antonio Spurs

This is part legacy-nod to the great GM, because despite dominating for four seasons, hasn�t won GMOTY and hadn�t picked an All-Star team. I understand how that�s possible. However, the totality of their dominance, including likely finishing this season with a winning record, along with winning a title, along with somehow getting another manager to trade them Giannis for cents on the dollar, means they are currently on the Mt. Rushmore of NSL managers and a huge chance of adding the 2023 GMOTY trophy to their burgeoning cabinet. After stripping their roster of players to add picks, they pivoted on a dime and have somehow built a plausible roster around their stars. To be a fly on the wall during Nelso�s persistent, persuasive negotiations� the tales I would tell. As I mentioned, they are primed and remain as competitive and ruthless as any GM, treasuring the moment and winning as much as anyone.

With every inch of my body, I straight up hate you, Nelso. But goddamn, do I respect you.


Joshua � Washington Wizards

The Wizards appear to have hit their crescendo this season, especially after fleecing multiple experienced GMs at the trade table in consecutive deals. The organisation has always been well run, adding value and stability as the years have rolled over. However, they now have pushed the chips all in and it�s been a huge win for the Wiz in terms of timing and return. Joshua was flapping his gums about the East even before the season started. Now, he has a team to not only back up his mouth but make fools of all of us. Washington boasts arguably the best starting five in the entire league and have a good bench, too, so what�s missing? Nothing at all. Joshua sims a lot and since he was given the Caruso cherry, his team has improved from glossy playoff fodder to juggernaut. Watch and learn - this team just might be the team to beat.

It makes me feel il how easy it�s been for them this season, and that�s a credit to Josh.


Smokey � New York Knicks

A man who is revered by all GMs, Smokey is probably the nicest manager in the league who has beaten you in every deal you have ever made with him. A master of the art of negotiation, evaluation and timing, it is remarkable how he has invigorated, remade and unequivocally upgraded his team to the point of true contention. A season ago, Fox, Ingram and Capela and a few picks has turned into a superstar, stars and upgrade throughout the entire roster. Genius isn�t even a stretch when evaluating how much value Smokey has added to his portfolio in the past season. Another season of trade domination for the Smoke-man. Now, it�s transferring to wins on the court. With Kawhi looking like his superstar-self, the Knicks are primed to go on a run this season and achieve on the court. In addition, Smokey is a beloved community member and trade-block enthusiast.

The nicest bandit you will ever meet. He even closes the door behind him after ransacking your franchise.

Jmac � Portland Trailblazers

They win a lot of games. They win titles. They overcome injuries. They routinely put up with the Portland tax. No one wants to see them do well. Just another year for Portland. Voter fatigue will likely mean that another potential 70-win season might be written off as �I mean they were good last season�, despite consistent injuries that should have chipped 10+ wins off the team. However, they might not even finish with the most wins � it might be an easy decision to ignore them.

Been there, done that - nothing to see here.




Honourable mentions: Rootsey, Dazman