New York Knicks: 3 things to know about new hire Frank Zanin

2) Understudy to Billy King

Frank Zanin’s career in the NBA closely follows the trajectory of executive Billy King. The former Nets general manager took Zanin under his wing in Philadelphia and brought him to New Jersey and Brooklyn.

Zanin got his start in the NBA working as a video intern for the Sixers in 1999. He later joined King in New Jersey in 2010, first as pro personnel scout – a title similar to what he will reportedly receive with the Knicks – and then director of player procurement, before being promoted to assistant GM.

When King lost his job with the Sixers in 2007, Zanin was out of the NBA, until King landed a job with the Nets.

During his tenure with the Nets, Zanin received credit from ownership for being a “big help” in re-signing Deron Williams and Brook Lopez, as well as working alongside King to orchestrate trades for Joe Johnson and signing Mirza Telotovic.

According to NetsDaily, the Nets front office was often referred to as “Billy, Bobby, and Frank” in reference to GM Billy King, assistant GM Bobby Marks, and Zanin. When Marks left the organization, it was “Billy and Frank.”

Once King lost his job in 2016, Zanin took over temporary duties as general manager until Sean Marks was hired.