Spurs Make Major Management Changes; R.C. Buford Becomes CEO

The Spurs yesterday formally announced their "major management changes," in which longtime GM R.C. Buford moves into the CEO role, according to Tom Orsborn of the SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS. Spurs Sports & Entertainment announced the changes, which include promoting Senior VPs Lori Warren and Bobby Perez to Exec VPs in charge of the business side of the operation. SS&E also revealed Assistant GM Brian Wright will replace Buford as GM and manage the "day-to-day basketball operations.” Meanwhile, Spurs President & CEO Rick Pych and Exec VP Lawrence Payne have “elected to transition into strategic advisory roles within the organization.” The two will remain “heavily involved with various key projects and strategic planning at SS&E." Pych is "beginning his 27th season with the organization," while Payne joined the Spurs in '76. A league source said that SS&E has been "discussing the reshuffling of its leadership for about a year" (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS, 7/24).