Suns’ Colangelo named Executive of the Year

Colangelo was responsible for the Suns’ spectacular season, which saw the team post a 33-win turnaround, after signing league MVP Steve Nash, guard Quentin Richardson and forward Steven Hunter to offseason contracts. The acquisitions were due in part to a 2003-04 trade that saw Colangelo ship All-Star guard Stephon Marbury and Anfernee Hardaway to the Knicks to clear salary cap room.

Phoenix had just 29 wins one year ago, but recorded a league-best 62-20 record in 2004-05, which is the third best improvement in NBA history. The Suns are currently in the conference semifinals where they are locked up in a tight battle with the Dallas Mavericks.

"I’m just happy to be a part of such a magical season," Colangelo said. "It was really a great situation. All the pieces came together at the right time."

The 39-year-old Colangelo became the third person from Phoenix to win an award this year as he joins Nash and Mike D’Antoni, who was named NBA Coach of the Year last week.

Colangelo beat out Miami Heat president Pat Riley and Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations John Paxson.

A 16-year Suns executive, Colangelo joins his father, Jerry, as the only father and son to win the Executive of the Year Award. Jerry, the Suns chairman and CEO, is a four-time winner (1976, 1981, 1989, 1993).