The Hawks will conduct a comprehensive search for a new executive to run their basketball operations department but hope to fill the position before next month’s NBA draft, principal owner Tony Ressler said Friday.
“We are full steam ahead looking for a GM and hopeful of having one before the draft and free-agent dates,” Ressler said.
In the interim, Ressler expressed confidence “we have plenty of depth and decision-making on board.”
The draft is on June 22, and the free-agent signing season follows in early July.
“We do feel the search, hopefully, will be resolved before all of these decisions need to be made and have a few weeks to spare,” Ressler said.
With Mike Budenholzer, who remains coach, relinquishing his duties as president of basketball operations and Wes Wilcox stepping aside as general manager, the Hawks essentially will combine two layers of front-office management into one position with the new hire.
Although Ressler said the new executive will be the general manager, he left open the question of whether that person also might get the title of president of basketball operations.
“Uncertain,” Ressler said. “We have not yet decided if the new GM should acquire that title to be more effective. But I can live without the title, I can live with the title. The title is not that relevant. Functions and taking us to the next level (are) why we’re doing this.”
As for candidates for the job, Ressler said: “We think there are all kinds of interesting candidates, as you might imagine, so it’s pretty wide open. I think (that) would be my description.”
Ressler said part-owner Grant Hill “gives us great input and will continue to, but I don’t think he has any interest in being president of basketball operations. Nor is he a candidate or whatever. He’s an owner, a friend and an adviser.”
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