Jeff Peterson Optimistic About Building The Hornets Into NBA’s Premier Franchise Despite Long Odds – News18

CHARLOTTE, N.C.: Jeff Peterson made it clear he desires to show the struggling Charlotte Hornets into one of many NBA’s premier franchises.

That’s a lofty objective for the group’s new govt vice chairman of basketball operations, who inherits a squad that’s 15-47 this season and hasn’t been to the postseason since 2016-17 — the longest drought within the league.

But the 35-yr-previous Peterson isn’t flinching, and stated he doesn’t really feel any strain.

“I think it’s an incredible opportunity,” Peterson stated at an introductory information convention Wednesday on the Spectrum Center. “I’m 35 and I’ve also seen a lot in this league in 12 years. A lot of things happened in Atlanta and a lot of things happened in Brooklyn.”

Peterson labored within the Hawks entrance workplace earlier than spending the final 4 1/2 seasons because the Nets assistant common supervisor, the place he helped facilitate the signing of free brokers Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, orchestrate trades for James Harden, Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson, and draft Cam Thomas and Nic Claxton.

The Hornets don’t have practically the extent of star energy the Nets as soon as had, and their roster stays very a lot in flux.

Charlotte made a flurry of strikes on the commerce deadline, dealing established veterans Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward and P.J. Washington in change for draft property and a bunch of gamers that embody Tre Mann, Vasa Micic, Grant Williams, Seth Curry and Davis Bertans. They be part of a core group led by rookie Brandon Miller, LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges and Mark Williams.

“I’m very excited about our roster,” Peterson stated. “I think we have a lot of good pieces and I’m excited to take this time to evaluate and see where we can tweak some things to get better. So we want to use these last 20 games to get better.”

Peterson and the Hornets are anticipated to be lively in free company this summer season as they proceed to remodel the roster. Charlotte could have greater than $40 million in projected wage cap house — seventh most within the league — in accordance with Sportrac.com.

Hornets co-homeowners Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin consider they’ve discovered the correct man to switch longtime NBA govt Mitch Kupchak, who’s stepping right down to take an advisory position with the franchise.

Schnall, who labored with Peterson whereas serving as a minority proprietor with the Hawks, referred to as the Peterson rent a “home run” for Charlotte.

“It didn’t take very long to figure out that Jeff was going to have a great career and be really successful in this line of work,” Schnall stated.

Added Plotkin: “He is somebody that people want to work with and work for.”

Schnall stated he’s hoping the Hornets have discovered somebody who can lead the group for the subsequent 20 years.

Peterson’s means to construct relationships throughout the league, his excessive IQ and his drive make him an ideal organizational match for the Hornets, Schnall stated. Peterson could have last say on personnel issues, however will seek the advice of with Schnall and Plotkin.

Peterson stated it’s unfair to place a timeframe on when he expects the Hornets to show issues round, including that he received’t skip any steps and desires the transformation right into a profitable franchise to occur organically.

“Our main goal is to have sustained success,” Peterson stated. “We don’t want to make the playoffs one year and then we’re out for another three or four years. We want this to be sustainable and turn this team into a consistent winner.”

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is revealed from a syndicated information company feed – Associated Press)