Stockton Kings general manager Paul Johnson wins NBA G League Executive of the Year award

Stockton Kings general manager Paul Johnson has been named NBA G League Basketball Executive of the Year after assembling the best team in the league this season.

Johnson, now in his second season as Stockton’s general manager, is the first executive in team history to win the award, which is voted on by G League executives. Johnson was presented with the award Thursday before the Kings faced the Sioux Falls Skyforce in the G League playoff semifinals. Their season ended with a 98-97 loss at Stockton Arena.

“This has been an incredibly exciting season in Stockton and it is a honor to be recognized by the NBA G League and my peers,” Johnson said in a news release. “I especially want to thank our front office, (assistant general manager) Anjali Ranadive, Coach Bobby Jackson and the entire team for their hard work on and off the court.”

Stockton went 25-7 to post the best record in the G League this season, earning the No. 1 overall seed and homecourt advantage in the G League playoffs for the first time in team history. The Kings matched the franchise record for regular season and G League Showcase victories.

Johnson is credited with making a series of key moves to strengthen Stockton’s roster, which features Sacramento Kings two-way players Neemias Queta and Keon Ellis. Johnson acquired the returning players rights to center Chance Comanche and forward Deonte Burton, picked up guard Trey Burke and added Jordan Ford via a players rights exchange with the Ontario Clippers.

Johnson has drawn praise from Kings general manager Monte McNair, who is a strong contender for the NBA Executive of the Year award for his work in Sacramento.

“Paul’s experience in evaluating and developing basketball talent, coupled with his innovative thinking and thoughtful approach to decision making, has been critical to the Stockton Kings success this season,” McNair said. “He is an integral part of this organization and tremendously deserving of this recognition.”