The Nets have started their offseason plans by first getting a GM. Ed Stefanski, the Nets' senior VP for basketball operations, has been promoted to general manager, team CEO Rod Thorn announced yesterday.

"He does a terrific job. He's one of the most astute judges of talent in the league," said Thorn. "I think he'll do a great job. He's basically doing it now."

Stefanski, who handled the team's scouting duties for four years before his VP post, was largely responsible for the 2001 draft night trade that brought the Nets Richard Jefferson, Jason Collins and Brandon Armstrong for Eddie Griffin, one of the greatest deals in the franchise's history.