The Miami Heat announced today that General Manager Randy Pfund has resigned from his duties with the Heat to pursue other business opportunities.
“Randy Pfund has done a tremendous job for the Heat, helping to build this team into a Champion,” said Riley. “His work ethic and contributions to the organization have been invaluable. I’ve known Randy for over 20 years and in addition to our great working relationship he has been a wonderful friend to both Chris and me and our family. On behalf of the Arison family and my family, I would like to wish him continued success and happiness in everything he does.”
Statement from Pfund: “I would like to thank Micky & Madeleine Arison and Pat & Chris Riley for the opportunity to work for the HEAT these past 13 years; it’s been an incredible ride. Additionally, I want to thank Pat for all his support and friendship over these last twenty-something years. While I resign my position with the HEAT, I feel it’s the perfect time to pursue other opportunities within the NBA and I’m excited about my future. Over the years, Pat and I have stood side-by-side through the ups and downs of many NBA seasons and on three championship occasions raised champagne glasses together. Lastly, I’d like to thank the HEAT Family, especially those in basketball operations who I worked with on a daily basis. I wish the HEAT nothing but success in the future.”
Pfund managed and oversaw all player personnel moves as General Manager for the previous 13 season, resulting in an NBA Championship and 10 postseason berths in the last 13 years, including a franchise-record six consecutive playoff appearances from 1996-2001. The Heat also claimed four consecutive Atlantic Division Championships from 1996-2000, three consecutive Southeast Division Championships from 2005-2007, and tied for the eighth most wins (566) in the NBA (third most in the Eastern Conference) from 1995-2008.
His negotiating skills and insight of the NBA and its players has been called upon to secure some of the best and brightest players in the NBA. Together with Riley, Pfund orchestrated several blockbuster trades and key free agent signings, the results of which landed the Heat NBA All-Stars Shawn Marion, Shaquille O’Neal, Eddie Jones, Antoine Walker, Gary Payton, Tim Hardaway and Alonzo Mourning, as well as Jason Williams, Lamar Odom and Brian Grant. With the drafting of Dwyane Wade, Caron Butler, Dorell Wright, Daequan Cook and Michael Beasley, in addition to the veteran acquisitions, Pfund helped re-structure the Heat’s roster with a balance of youth and experience while keeping Miami one of the top destinations in the NBA. Pfund also spent countless hours scouting the college, pro and European leagues for top athletes. His keen eye for talent brought in unheralded players like Udonis Haslem, Malik Allen, Rafer Alston, Bruce Bowen and Isaac Austin, all of whom have made key contributions to the Heat.
Pfund has worked in the league since 1985. His pro career began when Riley, who was head coach of the Lakers at the time, asked him to join his staff as an assistant coach. He held that position for seven years and helped the Lakers win a pair of NBA Championships in 1987 and 1988. In 1992, he succeeded Mike Dunleavy as the Lakers’ top man and posted a 66-80 mark in two seasons and led his 1992-93 team to the Lakers’ 17th consecutive postseason appearance.
The Boston Celtics announced today that they have re-signed guard Sam Cassell. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. InsideHoops.com assumes it’s just a one-year deal. Cassell has made several statements in the past suggesting he’ll retire after the season and get into coaching.