The media relations staff of the Milwaukee Bucks won the Professional Basketball Writers Association’s annual award for the top PR department in the NBA.
The Bucks’ PR unit, led by PR director Dan Smyczek, won the Brian McIntyre Award , which goes to the league PR team that goes “above and beyond the call of duty” to work with the press and is named for the longtime NBA communications chief who is now an advisor to Commissioner David Stern.
Finalists for the PR honor were the PR staffs of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Chicago Bulls and Memphis Grizzlies.
Two awards are also given to a player and coach for strong ties with the press.
“These winners exemplify all that is good about the NBA and the way its players, coaches and teams interact with the media," said Doug Smith of the Toronto Star, president of the 15-member PBWA. “A level of mutual respect and co-operation is necessary in any working environment and these gentlemen truly display those attributes.”
The basketball writers group gave the Magic Johnson Award to Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns, honoring the point guard for co-operation with media and fans, as well as on-the-court "excellence". Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers won the Rudy Tomjanovich Award, a similar honor for a coach.
Smyczek, a 15-year veteran of the Bucks, was named PR director in 2007.
Milwaukee finished the season 31-35 out of playoff contention.