Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke answered these e-mailed questions from The Post’s Adam Thompson about the Nuggets’ front-office change:
Question: What was the reason for this decision?
SK: We felt it was in the best interest of the franchise and Kiki (Vandeweghe) to make a change. Making changes to the front office are very difficult but necessary at times to create a dynamic atmosphere that will drive you toward your ultimate goal. Our goal remains the same: to build a team that consistently competes each year at the highest levels.
Q: How much was this situation an elephant in the room this year? Did the lack of a firm resolution contribute to any discord in the locker room or have any other kind of trickle-down effect?
SK: Games are won by players out on the court being coached by coaches. The contract status of the general manager does not impact things on the court or in the locker room.
Everyone in sports understands that this is a business and that there are no guarantees.
We don’t think that this was a big distraction because it was never addressed internally until the end of our season. We’ve said all along that we would honor Kiki’s contract and evaluate his status at the conclusion of his five-year term. Everyone in our organization – from players, coaches and management – is a professional who comes to work every day committed to winning and creating a culture of winning.
Q: Is Bret Bearup a candidate for the job? What role has he played in this team’s decision-making, and what do you expect it to be in the future?
SK: Bret has been a close friend of mine for many years. I have kicked out ideas with Bret for years, long before I bought the Nuggets.
As far as basketball, Bret is viewed as a respected voice in many basketball circles. Naturally, given his background, we are interested in his opinion. And frankly, his opinions have benefited everyone in the Nuggets organization over the years.
But as to whether we are looking at him as a candidate for a front-office position, Bret is not a candidate – nor has he ever sought a position within the Nuggets organization.
Q: When and why did your relationship with Vandeweghe deteriorate?
SK: This was purely a business decision, not a personal issue. As the owner of the Denver Nuggets, it is my job to put the best possible front-office staff in place to get us to our goal. With that goal in mind, we felt it was time for a change.
Q: Nene said that because of Vandeweghe’s strong relationship with his agent, Dan Fegan, this move might affect his decision to re-sign. He wants to see who the new GM is. Carmelo Anthony has repeatedly backed Vandeweghe. Are you concerned about any backlash from the players?
SK: Our players are professionals and they understand that difficult decisions must be made, and at times those decisions result in change. Every member of the Nuggets shares our desire to build a team that will consistently compete at the highest levels.
Q: Will you hire a new GM or do the job by committee?
SK: We will explore basketball operations structures that will give us the best opportunity to produce results on the court. That research has been, and continues to be, completed and decisions will be made in the future. We are not concerned right now about job titles. As an organization the only titles we are concerned with are division, conference and NBA championships.
Q: What did you think about the situation with Kenyon Martin, and do you need to trade him?
SK: As with all player personnel decisions, they are discussed internally in our front office and decisions are made that will provide us results on the court. As has always been our policy, we do not think it is fair to the players to discuss personnel issues publicly. It can lead to dissension on and off the court.
Q: What did you say to Vandeweghe in your final conversation?
SK: We don’t disclose information of a private nature in our businesses. Suffice it to say, Kiki and I had a very cordial meeting and are parting ways on amicable terms.
Q: What were the positives and negatives of Vandeweghe’s tenure with the Nuggets?
SK: Rather than get into specifics over a long period of time, it is fair to say we completed an internal evaluation of where we were and where we wanted to be and made a change. We as an organization have made strides on the court. We don’t believe in pointing fingers or singling out people. We win and lose as a team. And not one individual deserves all the credit or the blame.
