May 21st 2024.
The Charlotte Hornets are making headlines as the only NBA team with an all-Black executive team leading the way. After being sold by NBA legend Michael Jordan in 2023 for a jaw-dropping $2.7 billion, the team has been making some serious moves. The group, led by Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall, has been shaking things up and making history in the process.
In May 2024, Shelly Cayette-Weston was announced as the team's new president of business operations. With 12 years of experience as the Cleveland Cavaliers' executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Cayette-Weston is ready to take on the challenge of leading the NBA Hornets, G League affiliate Greensboro Swarm, esports team Hornets Venom GT, and Spectrum Center. She replaces Fred Whitfield, who resigned after 17 years, and is excited about the potential for growth and impact within the community. Cayette-Weston stated, "I look forward to building upon the energy and growth of our team on the court and the impact of the reimagined Spectrum Center, all of which will strengthen the experience of our fans, partners, and community throughout the Carolinas. I cannot wait to get started."
Joining Cayette-Weston in the executive team is Jeff Peterson, who will serve as the executive vice president of basketball operations. Peterson comes to Charlotte from the Brooklyn Nets, where he was the assistant general manager. Schnall and Plotkin have high praise for Peterson, calling him "a rising star in our league" and highlighting his skills in player evaluation. Peterson shares their vision of making the Hornets the premier franchise in the NBA, stating, "I believe in their vision of building the premier franchise in Charlotte. Establishing a winning culture will take hard work, creative ideas, and a collaborative approach, and I'm excited by the challenge ahead. The Carolinas are basketball country and Hornets fans are some of the most loyal in the NBA. I look forward to being a part of this community and experiencing that passion."
Dotun Akinwale was also named to the executive team as the new assistant general manager. With 11 seasons of experience, Akinwale brings a wealth of knowledge to the Hornets. He spent the last nine years with the Atlanta Hawks and started his career as a basketball operation intern with the Orlando Magic in 2013. Akinwale is eager to join the team and contribute to their success, stating, "I am thrilled to be a part of the Charlotte Hornets organization. I am excited to bring my expertise and passion for the game to this team and help build a winning culture."
While the executive team is crucial to the organization's success, it's the players on the court that make the real difference. The Hornets have secured a promising new head coach in Charles Lee, a former assistant coach for the Boston Celtics. At just 39 years old, Lee is considered one of the league's top assistant coaches and is ready to take on the challenge of leading the Hornets. He will finish out the Celtics' playoff run before officially joining the Charlotte team. With these new additions, the Hornets are poised to make a splash in the NBA and continue to make history as a team led by an all-Black executive team.
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