Spurs’ R.C. Buford finishes second in 2011-12 Executive of the Year

Apr 23, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers team president Larry Bird with his wife Dinah Mattingly watches the game against the Detroit Pistons at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Detroit 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

Indiana Pacers President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird was named the 2011-12 Executive of the Year, according to NBA.com. Bird was recognized for the Pacers’ 42-24 record, his draft day trade with the San Antonio Spurs that netted him starting point guard George Hill and a trade deadline move to acquire Leandro Barbosa that bolstered their depth.

The Pacers managed to improve their win total by five games this year despite playing 16 less games due to the lockout, which is indicative of the vast improvement of the Pacers organization under Bird. Bird totaled 88 points, including 12 first-place votes.

The Spurs’ general R.C. Buford finished second with 56 points, including eight first-place votes. Buford orchestrated the aforementioned deal with Indiana while also accumulating surplus depth through the signings of Boris Diaw and Patrick Mills and swapping Richard Jefferson for Stephen Jackson in a deadline deal with Golden State. Los Angeles Clippers Vice President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey finished third with 55 points.

Five points were awarded for each first-place vote, three points for each second-place vote and one point for every third-place vote.