The Seattle SuperSonics on Thursday named Sam Presti as their general manager.
The 30-year-old San Antonio assistant general manager replaces Rick Sund, who was demoted to consultant after Seattle’s 31-51 season.
Presti’s most pressing jobs are to help hire a coach to replace Bob Hill, who was fired, and to prepare for the June 28 draft. Seattle has the second pick.
He will begin work immediately, said a news release from Professional Basketball Club LLC, the Sonics organization which also owns the WNBA’s Seattle Storm.
Presti “represents a new generation of NBA executives,” Sonics’ Chairman Clay Bennett said. “He brings solid NBA management and basketball experience as well as a new, fresh, energetic approach. I am confident we are hiring the right person at the right time for this organization.”
“I am thrilled with the opportunity to join the Sonics organization,” Presti said in the news release. “I am sold on the ownership and am convinced they are committed to building a successful team and organization.”
Bennett said he will restructure the Sonics basketball operations so Presti reports directly to him.
Lenny Wilkens will remain vice chairman of the Sonics organization and as a senior adviser to Bennett, the team said.
Sund was reassigned on April 24 after spending six seasons as Seattle’s GM. Sund has one year left on his contract and is working as a consultant for the team.
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