Sources: Hornets get permission to speak with three GM candidates The Charlotte Hornets have started securing permission to interview candidates for the franchise's vacant general manager's job, league sources told ESPN. Former Los Angeles Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak remains a frontrunner to ultimately receive an offer to replace Rich Cho, but the Hornets are engaging in a wider search process and plan to start an initial round of conversations with candidates as soon as this week, league sources said. Charlotte has received permission to speak with Philadelphia 76ers VP of Player Personnel Marc Eversley, Houston Rockets Vice President of Basketball Operations Gersson Rosas and Miami Heat assistant general manager Adam Simon, league sources told ESPN. Charlotte has directly registered its interested with Kupchak, league sources said. Kupchak has a longstanding relationship with owner Michael Jordan, with whom he shares University of North Carolina ties. Kupchak won two NBA championships 2009 and 2010 as Lakers GM. He was dismissed a year ago, replaced with Magic Johnson. Assistant GM Buzz Peterson is running the day-to-day operations for the Hornets now, and is expected to continue with the organization once a new GM is hired. Charlotte is hopeful to have a GM in place sometime by end of the regular season in mid-April, league sources said. Eversley joined the Sixers in 2016, after three years in the Washington Wizards as VP of Player Personnel and the previous seven years with the Toronto Raptors as assistant GM. Eversley started his career with Nike, where he has maintained strong ties. Rosas has worked 17 seasons with the Rockets, rising to prominence alongside GM Daryl Morey in building a roster with the NBA's best current record. Rosas had a brief stint in 2013 as the Dallas Mavericks GM before returning to Houston. Rosas also serves as USA Basketball's Player Personnel Scout. In his 23rd season in Miami, Simon has risen from an intern to assistant GM and has a played a part in three Heat championships. As GM of the Sioux Fall Skyforce, Simon has been prolific in identifying and delivering prospects from the franchise's G-League affiliate to the Heat's roster.
Hoping for a Jordan - Kupchak connection being too strong. I’d like for our great front office to stay intact.
