The Atlanta Hawks have two front office vacancies to fill after general manager Wes Wilcox resigned and coach Mike Budenholzer stepped down as president of basketball operations last week.
FanSided's Brendan Galella released a list of five realistic replacements for Hawks' GM which includes former Detroit Pistons president of basketball operations Joe Dumars and Cleveland Cavaliers general manager David Griffin.
Both Dumars and Griffin were reported to be early candidates in the GM search, according to ESPN’s Mark Stein.
Galella's list of five realistic candidates for Hawks' GM is below:
1. Joe Dumars, former Detroit Pistons president of basketball operations
After Dumars retired from the NBA in 2000, he was hired as president of basketball operations in Detroit. The Pistons won a title under his management without a superstar on the roster, according to Galella.
2. David Griffin, Cleveland Cavaliers general manager
Griffin’s contract with the Cavaliers is expiring this season. Negotiations with Griffin and the Hawks cannot begin until Cleveland’s season is over, which could be in mid-June if the Cavaliers make it to the NBA Finals.
3. Grant Hill, minority owner of the Hawks
Hill who doesn't have any experience working in a basketball front office, not demonstrated any interest in running a team beyond ownership.
4. Shareef Abduf-Rahim, former Atlanta Hawk and current NBA associate vice president of basketball operations
Abduf-Rahim was a Hawk during the 2003-2004 season. After his retirement in 2008, he was an assistant coach with the Sacramento Kings for two seasons before being named assistant general manager. Galella writes, “few candidates are as well rounded as Abdur-Rahim and have the connection to the Atlanta organization.”
5. Bobby Marks, former assistant general manager for the Brooklyn Nets
Galella writes Marks might have some insight into salary cap intricacies. The Hawks might need someone to analyze what’s the best use of their money for the 2017-2018 season because they already committed $83.8 million.
The Hawks are expected to name a new general manager by June 22 NBA Draft and free agency.
