Sean Marks is general manager of the D-League's Austin Toros, which he considers an initial step in his career as a front office executive.

“Being GM of my own team is a dream, for sure,” Marks said. “I know I have a long way to go, but I have a great stepping stone now with the opportunity I have had to learn from Pop, Danny (Ferry), Dennis (former assistant GM Dennis Lindsey).

“The way R.C. handles it is amazing: He says, ‘Here, have fun with it; it’s your team, run it. He doesn’t micromanage, and until he gets sick of me asking question after question, I’ll keep picking his brain.”

The Spurs have been the launching pad for current NBA general managers such as Ferry, Dell Demps, Sam Presti, Rob Hennigan and Kevin Pritchard.