Charlotte Bobcats owner Bob Johnson is receptive to Ed Tapscott running the new team's basketball operation if Michael Jordan doesn't accept that role.

Jordan hasn't given Johnson an answer on whether he'll join the Bobcats as part owner and president of basketball operations. Tapscott, the Bobcats' executive vice president, formerly was a scout and interim general manager of the New York Knicks.

"If (Tapscott) wants to run the entire organization and appoint somebody to run basketball operations, I'll support him. If he wants to wear two hats, I'll support him. It's up to him," Johnson said Tuesday.

Johnson won't put a public deadline on Jordan's decision, but this summer is when the Bobcats planned to name a general manager and start hiring scouts. It could be difficult to hire top NBA scouts if they don't know who their boss will be.

"I think it's clearly to a point where I have to make a decision" regarding Jordan, Johnson said. "I know when we have to move to get the talent that's available."

Jordan has made no public comment since May, when he left the Washington Wizards. Jordan was close to buying the Milwaukee Bucks in June before that team's owner, U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl (D-Wis.), pulled the franchise off the market.

"(Jordan) has indicated to me he is still considering his options, whether or not he will get back into professional basketball," Johnson said.

Via Charlotte Observer

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