R.C. Buford was named 2014 Executive of the Year and the San Antonio Spurs are again in the Western Conference Finals.

The Spurs have done a masterful job of rebuilding the team on the fly even as Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker get deeper into their thirties.

“We have a specific list of deal-breakers that are non-negotiable,’’ Buford said. “If players want New York or LA, they’re not going to come here. … If someone’s more interested in winning scoring titles, this probably isn’t the place for them."

When the New York Knicks hired Phil Jackson, many in the NBA wondered why they wouldn't make that type of offer for someone like Buford.

“He believes he’s got the greatest job in the league and works with the greatest people,’’ the source said. “Why would he want to leave that?’’