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Game Changer: An Insider's Story of the Sonics’ Resurgence, the Trail Blazers’ Turnaround, and the Deal that Saved the Seahawks

Name: Game Changer: An Insider's Story of the Sonics’ Resurgence, the Trail Blazers’ Turnaround, and the Deal that Saved the Seahawks
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Book Synopsis: From groundbreaking trades to team-saving negotiations, Bob Whitsitt reveals the behind-the-scenes deals that changed the destinies of three iconic Pacific Northwest sports teams: the Seahawks, the SuperSonics, and the Trail Blazers. In 1994, Whitsitt was named the NBA Executive of the Year—but in 1978 he was just an intern for the Indiana Pacers. Over the next decade and a half, he would find his way to the front lines of an athletic revolution, leading a transformation that took the NBA from an asterisk in sports to a global phenomenon. By 1986, at the tender age of thirty, Whitsitt had been recruited to salvage the Seattle SuperSonics, whose glory had faded after the 1979 NBA championship. In just one season, and after many daring player trades, Whitsitt guided the team back to fighting form and into the playoffs. Whitsitt’s grit and risk-taking moves caught the eye of billionaire Paul Allen, who coaxed the savvy executive into taking the helm of the Portland Trail Blazers and leading them back into championship contention. Whitsitt went on to play a pivotal role in convincing Allen to purchase the Seahawks to keep them in town, lobbying for a new stadium—and the implosion of the iconic Kingdome—and ushering in a new era of professional football in Seattle. Whitsitt is the only person to have been both the president and general manager of the Seahawks, Sonics, and Trail Blazers. In Game Changer, Whitsitt offers insights and stories from the glory days of three beloved teams, including how he earned the nickname Trader Bob by mapping his trades many moves—and even years—ahead; his prescient recruitment of one of the first straight-to-pro basketball players, Shawn Kemp—and why his second signing of Kemp was one of his worst missteps; his time-tested negotiation tips for any situation; how he knew the mercurial George Karl was the right man to coach Shawn Kemp, Gary Payton, and the rest of the scene-stealing Sonics team; the truth behind the heroics needed to keep the Seahawks in Seattle; his rankings of the all-time-best NBA players and coaches; advice for how to get a job in professional sports. An unprecedented view into the front office of three of the most beloved franchises in the NBA and NFL during their most pivotal years, Game Changer offers a new vision for pro sports, perfect for students of the game, lifelong fans, and sophisticated dealmakers alike.

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Looking for an inside look into the thrilling world of sports management? Look no further than Game Changer: An Insider's Story of the Sonics’ Resurgence, the Trail Blazers’ Turnaround, and the Deal that Saved the Seahawks. Written by the legendary Bob Whitsitt, this book takes you behind the scenes of three iconic Pacific Northwest sports teams and reveals the groundbreaking trades and negotiations that changed their destinies. From the superheroes of the NBA to the gridiron gladiators of the NFL, Whitsitt's fascinating tales will leave you on the edge of your seat.

As the NBA Executive of the Year, Whitsitt knows a thing or two about turning teams around. In this book, he shares his insights and stories from his time as both the president and general manager of the Seattle SuperSonics, Portland Trail Blazers, and Seattle Seahawks. Witness how Whitsitt revived the struggling SuperSonics in just one season, defying all odds and guiding them back into the playoffs. Discover his secret to recruiting talented players, including his pioneering signing of Shawn Kemp, one of the first straight-to-pro basketball players.

But it wasn't just basketball that Whitsitt conquered. He also played a pivotal role in convincing billionaire Paul Allen to purchase the Seahawks and keep them in Seattle. With Whitsitt's leadership, the Seahawks soared to new heights, thanks to his vision for a new stadium and his unwavering determination to bring professional football back to the city. These captivating stories of triumph against the odds will captivate sports enthusiasts and inspire anyone with a passion for success.

Game Changer isn't just about the past—it provides a roadmap for the future of professional sports. Whitsitt's negotiation tips, rankings of the all-time best NBA players and coaches, and advice for those aspiring to work in the sports industry make this book a must-have for anyone interested in the game. Whether you're a lifelong fan, a student of the game, or a savvy dealmaker, Game Changer offers an unprecedented view into the front office of three beloved franchises, making it a must-read for anyone who loves sports and the thrill of victory.

Ready to dive into the captivating world of sports management? Get your copy of Game Changer today and unlock the secrets behind the iconic stories of the Sonics, the Trail Blazers, and the Seahawks. Click here to purchase now!

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