NLL Insider - GM Spotlight: Dazman

by vt, updated on Saturday, February 27 2010, 03:12 am EST

How well do you know your competitor? Many of us have spent years competing, arguing, trading and chatting with one another. In this new series, GM Spotlight, it's time to find out who you are really playing against.

How long have you been the GM of the Bulls?

This is currently my third season in charge of Chicago.

What do you think is your biggest achievement during that time?

My aim was to turn an aging, financial basket case of a franchise into a younger team with a solid lineup that does not need to be over the luxury cap to compete. And in my third season i feel like this has now almost been accomplished.

Who is your favorite player that has played for you and why?

Shaquille O'Neal - When i took over the Bulls, they were really weak at center. When Shaq arrived he began to dominate at the position and hasn't looked back. He has clearly been the most dominant player that i have had so far. I hope he continues on after this season.

Who is your least favorite player that you’ve had and why?

Bobby Simmons - Unfortunately I decided to bring him over in my first ever trade, he had a ridiculous contract and went on to put up pathetic numbers, so it was a great day when i was able to ship him off again.

What player would you love to have that you never had?

Monta Ellis - Being a Golden State Warriors fan, and seeing what Ellis is doing in both the NBA and NLL at the moment makes him an obvious choice, i would love to have his speed in my back court.

What player would you want back the most you’ve once had?

Jamaal Crawford - Unfortunately i traded him away in the same deal i acquired Bobby Simmons. At the time he was one of the best sixth men in the NLL and was instant offense from the bench. I would love to still have him coming off the bench.

What is the best trade you’ve made and why?

It was a tough decision this one, I really liked my trades to get Shaq and Darrell Arthur, both players I was really happy to acquire. But I couldn't go past trading Steven Hunter, Bobby Simmons and Joe Alexander to the Bucks for Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Anthony Parker and Roy Hibbert. This trade was excellent because i got rid of Simmons' and Hunters' poor contracts as well as trading away bust Joe Alexander. I also got instant cap relief when Shareef retired soon after and still have Anthony Parker and Roy Hibbert playing well for me.

What is the worst trade you’ve made and why?

It would have to be my first trade. Sending Stephon Marbury, Keyon Dooling and Jamaal Crawford to Atlanta for Cuttino Mobley, Bobby Simmons and T.J Ford. Although i did dodge a bullet by trading Marbury just before he went totally of the rails, i also lost the talented Crawford and acquired the shocking Bobby Simmons. Mobley and Ford would also unfortunately miss many games over the next few seasons due to injury.

What is the best FA signing you’ve done and why?

So far i really haven't been in a position to sign any free agents of note, so for this i would say signing Anthony Parker after he walked out on me, he has been solid so far and would have left a massive hole if i hadn't signed him.

What is the worst FA signing you’ve done and why?

Again not much to pick from, but i will go with Ronny Turiaf. I was blinded by Turiaf being a Warrior in the NBA to see what he really is in the NLL, pretty useless. And for 4.5 million over 3 years, that's money i could have better spent elsewhere.

What is your biggest draft pick success story?

Having had only one first round pick so far in my time as a GM, i cant really think of one, i would say Roy Hibbert but because i didn't actually draft him, i'll have to go with Patrick Mills, i really hope the little Aussie can become a regular with an NBA team.

What is the biggest draft pick mistake you’ve made?

Well on paper it is Joe Alexander, but i will say i never had the intention of keeping him, he was always going to be traded to the Bucks for Roy Hibbert.

What is the biggest error you’ve made as a GM?

Probably not trying to be more aggressive in seeking trades to improve my team. I have been following the same kind of formula so far for my lineup's and probably should have made a more drastic change during the two seasons that we were losing. Luckily the results have finally been there so far this season.

What teams do you see as your biggest rivals and why?

Milwaukee and Detroit. Both are division rivals and both i have made trades with in the past. And i'll also say Philly, just because of the Joe Johnson trade this season, i hope my team is seen to have gotten the better of that.

Which GMs do you admire and why?

Gotta start with VT. To run such a fantastic league and still have the time to assemble the lineup he has is incredible. I'll also mention Magritte for the job he does on NLL radio, Dunadan for the web site, and the three Aussie's Smokey, Nick and Leeroy for their individual GM accolades.

What is your favorite thing about the NLL?

The dynamic web site is awesome. It's great to be able to make trades, access stats and manage your franchise easily online. Also the NLL has a great community of clever GM's and the new NLL radio feature is a weekly highlight.

Where do you live?

Melbourne, Australia

What are some of your favorite movies?

Remember The Titans, White Men Can't Jump, Eurotrip, Happy Gilmore, Billy Madison and the Back To The Future series.

What are some of your favorite bands/musicians?

Muse, Fall Out Boy, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, The Academy Is, New Found Glory and The Ataris.

What do you do for fun?

I play four games of basketball a week. I also love watching T.V and watching any sports, especially Aussie Rules Football.

What’s your day job?

I have just finished university and am currently looking for full time employment in the I.T industry.

One thing we probably don’t know about you but should.

I am obsessed with Seinfeld.

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