Power of Caring
  presented by CIGNA

The principals

Deputy commissioner Granik is the league's go-to guy

Click here for more on this story

Posted: Wednesday June 24, 1998 04:23 PM

(CNN/SI)

Russell T. Granik
Deputy Commissioner, Chief Operating Officer, NBA

The main representative for the league in talks with the players union, Granik is a former NBA staff attorney who has been deputy commissioner since 1990.

Granik, 49, has had a hand in every major negotiation the league has been involved in since 1980, including TV contracts, labor agreements and expansion talks. He represented the league in the Latrell Sprewell situation and helped hammer out the current collective bargaining agreement.

The heir apparent to NBA commissioner David Stern -- Stern has given Granik his blessing -- Granik also heads up USA Basketball.

Granik is a graduate of Harvard Law School.

Related information
Multimedia
Click here for the latest audio and video
Search our site	Watch CNN/SI on cable 24 hours a day
	Sports Illustrated and CNN have combined to form a 24 hour sports news and information channel. To receive CNN/SI at your home call 1-888-53-CNNSI.