Somehow our GM's never had a problem finding ways to get the $40 million Danny Fortsons (first ever 4 way trade) or acquiring (cheap) prospects like Larry Hughes. But Cohan simply wouldn't sign off on anything significant in cost, whether it was player acquisition or even GM's/coaches.
Back to the Sprewell era, the real mistake there was choosing Spree over Timmy. Things could've gone real differently if we kept Hardaway's heart, leadership, and determination around.