Ernie Grunfeld

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Olympic medal record
Men's Basketball
Gold	1976 Montreal	United States

Ernest (Ernie) Grunfeld (born April 24, 1955, in Satu Mare, Romania) is an American former professional basketball player. He served as general manager of the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association from 1989 to 1999.

Grunfeld grew up in Forest Hills, in Queens, New York City. He attended the University of Tennessee, where he starred with fellow New York City native and future NBA star, Bernard King. Together they were dubbed the "Bernie and Ernie Show". Together they averaged over 40 points per game. Grunfeld was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks, and also played for the Kansas City Kings, as well as for the Knicks.

At the time of his removal from his general manager post, during the 1998-1999 season, the team had a 21-21 record and where on the verge of not making the playoffs. They eventually got in with a 27-23 record. He was responsible for bringing every player on the Knicks' current roster to the team except for Patrick Ewing. Before the start of the season, he organized the trade of Charles Oakley to the Toronto Raptors for Marcus Camby, and John Starks to the Golden State Warriors for Latrell Sprewell. Many people blamed him for the Knicks' poor play. However, they came within 3 games of winning the championship, losing to the San Antonio Spurs in 5 games. At first it was said that he was being temporarily relieved of his duties as general manager. When the season ended with the result that came about, it was said that all was forgiven and he would be reinstated. However, he took the job as the Bucks' general manager. He held the post for several years, and is now the Washington Wizards' general manager.

Ernie Grunfeld's son, Dan, played for the Stanford University men's basketball team from 2002-2006.