Inside The Nets

Hornets to hire Nets Assistant GM Jeff Peterson as president of basketball operations.

The young Nets executive will bring his talents to the next level by assuming the bold task of becoming Queen City’s next head of basketball operations.

Peter Sunjic

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The Charlotte Hornets are planning to hire Jeff Peterson to become the franchise’s newest president of basketball operations, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Peterson, 35, will officially leave his assistant manager tag in the Brooklyn Nets for a massive opportunity to become the NBA’s youngest top executive.

Per Woj, both sides are expected to finally reach an agreement about the terms of the contract soon.

Details behind Peterson assuming the Hornets’ top executive helm

The Hornets’ president position became vacant when it was announced in early February that Mitch Kupchak would step down to assume an advisory role in the franchise. Peterson was immediately identified as one of the leading candidates for the big-time job.

Peterson’s takeover as the Hornets’ newest lead basketball decision-maker holds a significant connection with current team owner Rick Schnall. Schnall, a former Hawks minority owner, is familiar with Peterson, who served under him from 2014 to 2018 in Atlanta, from being an interim to assistant general manager. In addition, Peterson also has ties with head coach Steve Clifford, who served as the Nets’ coaching consultant back in 2021-22.

Peterson will shoulder the daunting responsibility of steering the Hornets’ fortunes away from years of mediocrity and lack of progress. He’ll be tasked to construct a new basketball age for the franchise, with LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Miles Bridges serving as the main foundations.

The Hornets are currently holding a miserable 15-43 record that lands them the fourth-worst record in the NBA this season. They are projected to miss the postseason for the eight-straight year, with the 2015-16 being their last playoff appearance.

Peterson’s wonderful run as a talented executive for Brooklyn

As one of the emerging young executives in the NBA, Peterson was successfully recruited by Nets general manager Sean Marks to join his front office within the Brooklyn franchise during the summer of 2018.

Since then, Peterson blossomed into one of the most promising basketball minds in the business with his elite communication skill set, relationship-building, and draft emphasis. He served as a reliable right-hand man for Marks in the franchise’s formation of its formidable superteam that featured Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden. 

Jeff is also widely credited for the team’s discovery and eventual drafting of both Nic Claxton and Cam Thomas.

Peterson will be the second Nets personnel to leave the franchise this 2023-24 campaign. Jacque Vaughn was sacked and removed by Brooklyn from his head coaching duties after the team’s disappointing 21-33 card heading to the All-Star Break.

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

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