Hornets hire Jeff Peterson as Head of Basketball Ops.

[KembaWalker]

I’d be more impressed if they got a guy that was just straight with us. Don’t tell me this is gonna be a premier NBA franchise or some superstar free agent destination. We aren’t stupid

Scouting, health, player development. Removing nepotism. Providing coaches with the resources and assistants they want. Things that are realistic and in their control. Don’t tell me we’re going to be some cutting edge franchise until you’ve established that you can get us to the bare minimum standards of a functional professional organization

[yosemiteben]

Wish someone had asked him about the Kenny Atkinson situation and asked how they are going to make sure this is a situation that is attractive to coaches.

[MasterIchiro]

In an otherwise uneventful press conference (where media failed to press the owners about free agency spending), the one suprise that stood out was Peterson's inclusion of Miles Bridges with the 3 other core players we hear bandied about by the fanbase - LaMelo, Miller, Mark. I agree he should be included. His paycheck total is secondary to that core status. Let them figure out his market and negotiate a deal that works for all parties.

I was disappointed the media failed to press on the question of Peterson being the only big hire for the front office. Schnall mentioned in passing Peterson's "team". That would've been the time for a follow up question. Is there another shoe to drop on a hire of a GM? Seems the owners don't want to tie themselves to any certainty, hedging against maybe striking out in their search.

Thus far, they've only been able to secure the employment of a 35 year old one of the owners met when Jeff was just 26.

[wilson115]

Well, I expect the bloodbath to begin sooner rather than later. Mid-season hires don't happen without new ownership wanting to bring in their people (and kick out the old guard) ASAP. Jeff's first job is to be the bearer of bad news.

[Snidely FC]

"You are going to get sick of me saying this, but we are going to turn this into the premier franchise in the NBA. And there is no hesitation in terms of how we are going to do it. It may take a process, we're not going to skip steps."

New Head of Basketball Operations, Jeff Peterson

[LofJ]

This is a must listen:

Read on Twitter

[SWedd523]

"You are going to get sick of me saying this, but we are going to turn this into the premier franchise in the NBA. And there is no hesitation in terms of how we are going to do it. It may take a process, we're not going to skip steps."

New Head of Basketball Operations, Jeff Peterson

Oh no, the "premier franchise" platitudes have already begun

[LofJ]

Peterson emphasized multiple times that building up his staff will be a priority, saying he's not smart enough to do it all himself.

As someone who's been around both great and terrible leaders the above is a VERY good sign. Great leaders surround themselves with smart, capable, dependable people. I'm looking forward to seeing who gets hired into the organization.

[LofJ]

Most importantly at the end Woj talked about what the Hornets have been through, accepting the situation, and being okay with losing. Peterson immediately responded that losing will not be tolerated. And that the rest of the season will be an evaluation period.

[Bassman]

Good listen. WOJ asked good questions, knowing he’s not going to get too deep with Peterson just starting. Reminded me of my first day as a regional GM after climbing the ladder at a Fortune 500 company. There’s all the potential, and plenty of challenges, but it starts and ends with your people. They aren’t going to automatically get in alignment to your goals. You have to build trust, confidence, teamwork and demonstrate leadership. This is why it was so important to make this hire before the end of the season.

Now it’s day 2 (or 3). Speeches are done. Time to work, time to go.

[Rich4114]

Wish someone had asked him about the Kenny Atkinson situation and asked how they are going to make sure this is a situation that is attractive to coaches.

I really don't think that is going to be a problem for any team. There's only 32 NBA head coach positions and each year only a small handful available. It will always be coveted. The Kenny situation I'm sure had a lot to do with the assistants thing, but I think that guy is a straight up weirdo. I still remember him having beef with JB after we beat them in Brooklyn lol.

[Rich4114]

Good listen. WOJ asked good questions, knowing he’s not going to get too deep with Peterson just starting. Reminded me of my first day as a regional GM after climbing the ladder at a Fortune 500 company. There’s all the potential, and plenty of challenges, but it starts and ends with your people. They aren’t going to automatically get in alignment to your goals. You have to build trust, confidence, teamwork and demonstrate leadership. This is why it was so important to make this hire before the end of the season.

Now it’s day 2 (or 3). Speeches are done. Time to work, time to go.

100%, it works exactly like a business. I'm really glad they got it done now instead of in May or something. Will be interesting to see who he recruits to join him and from where.

[LofJ]

Hire #2

Read on Twitter

[yosemiteben]

Hire #2

Read on Twitter

Here's the article: https://nypost.com/2024/03/10/sports/nets-losing-another-top-executive-to-hornets/

[JDR720]

The bottom of that article

“I’m so thankful to be able to really have that year with him because I learned [from him]. I can’t tell you how valuable it was just to sit with him and pick his brain, stories he’s told and what he’s seen that’s been successful and what hasn’t been successful. I’m excited to be reunited with Cliff.”

Clifford, 62, said he formed a bond with Peterson in Brooklyn.

“Jeff and I used to golf in Brooklyn,” Clifford said. “We have a comfort level, we spent a lot of time together there. And he’s a talented guy, he’s a good basketball guy. He’s a great hire.”

Gross.

[SWedd523]

Isn't that the dude Peterson was sitting next to during the Nets game?

Maybe they're grooming Cliff for a move to the FO?

[JDR720]

He can be the teams motivational speaker.

[lmcguir15]

The bottom of that article

“I’m so thankful to be able to really have that year with him because I learned [from him]. I can’t tell you how valuable it was just to sit with him and pick his brain, stories he’s told and what he’s seen that’s been successful and what hasn’t been successful. I’m excited to be reunited with Cliff.”

Clifford, 62, said he formed a bond with Peterson in Brooklyn.

“Jeff and I used to golf in Brooklyn,” Clifford said. “We have a comfort level, we spent a lot of time together there. And he’s a talented guy, he’s a good basketball guy. He’s a great hire.”

Gross.

Certainly more worried about the potential of retaining Cliff. Frankly, that's how he keeps getting jobs in the NBA. When you're around long enough, you make a lot of friends. Sure he's a great guy, but his string of HC is played the hell out.

[wilson115]

Well, looks like the owners have left the personnel decisions in Peterson's hands. Or at least they're trying to give the impression. Positive sign I hope.

[Snidely FC]

Jeff Peterson + Dennis Schroder
https://www.nba.com/hornets/news/how-jeff-peterson-dennis-schroder-leaned-on-one-another-at-onset-of-nba-careers