Hornets Appoint Former Hawks' VP of Player Personnel Dotun Akinwale As Assistant GM

Akinwale worked previously with newly appointed VP of Basketball Operations Jeff Peterson

New VP of Basketball Operations Jeff Peterson is wasting no time at all assembling his new front office. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Hornets have hired Dotun Akinwale as Assistant GM. Previously, Akinwale held the role of VP of Player Personnel for the Atlanta Hawks.

The Charlotte Hornets are hiring Atlanta Hawks executive Dotun Akinwale as an assistant general manager, sources tell ESPN. Akinwale — a VP of Player Personnel with Hawks — is the first addition to new EVP of Basketball Operations Jeff Peterson’s staff.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 7, 2024

Dotun Akinwale's role of Assistant GM suggests that Charlotte will appoint a General Manager to fill the role between Akinwale and Peterson. Wes Wilcox and Matt Lloyd were rumoured to be in discussions for front office positions and could be possible candidates.

Who Is Dotun Akinwale?

Akinwale Jr. has 12 years of experience working in the NBA, he has spent the last nine years with the Atlanta Hawks, most recently as VP of Player Personnel. Since joining Atlanta in 2015, he’s served as manager of scouting, director of scouting and senior director of player personnel. Akinwale Jr. started his career with the Orlando Magic, where he was a basketball operations coordinator after completing an internship. Akinwale Jr. played College basketball for Thiel College (Pa.), he is originally from Germantown, Maryland.