Previous Career: Billy McKinney enjoyed a superb collegiate career at Northwestern University, where he was twice named All-American and broke the all-time scoring record. After a seven year NBA career, McKinney began his off-court NBA career in 1985, when he became a scout for the the Chicago Bulls. Two years later, he advanced to the position of Assistant VP of Basketball Operations, which he held for only a year before moving to the expansion Minnesota Timberwolves in the postion of Director of Player Personnel. After spending three years with Minnesota, McKinney left to work in the business world as well as scout for NBA teams. In 1992, he joined the Detroit Pistons as Director of Player Personnel. He spent two years in the position before being promoted to VP of Basketball Operations. After only one year in this role, McKinney came to Seattle as Executive VP of Basketball Operations. Following last season, most experts expected McKinney to be named Sonic GM after Wally Walker became CEO, but he passed on the opportunity, instead moving to the similarly titled position of VP of Sonics and Storm.

Overall: So why on earth would McKinney pass up what most assumed to be a sure thing in terms of his promotion to GM? Well, according to McKinney in the media, it was because he was still being promoted and it would be best for the organization to have another voice discussing moves. On the other hand, a cynic might say it was because McKinney knew he would not have final personnel say as gm because of Walker's presence. This theory was somewhat validated by the fact that McKinney interviewed later during the summer for Denver's general manager job. If McKinney were offered such a position, it seems extremely likely he would take it. It would also seem likely that McKinney were offered a position sometime soon. He has a great deal of experience as an NBA executive, holding decision making power already in Minnesota. He also has a variety of non-NBA skills which the Sonics are taking greater advantage of this year, with his experience in speaking appearences, business, and as a color commentator, a role he will fill on Sonic telecasts this year. While he remains in the Sonic organization, he has to be one of the most valuable third in commands in the NBA.
Grade: B+