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May 15, 2008
Tapscott would be perfect in Atlanta
The Atlanta Hawks need a general manager, and I have their man: Ed Tapscott.
No finder’s fee necessary, guys, I just want one of the smartest guys in basketball back in a prominent position in the NBA.
Tapscott was the Bobcats’ original president, which meant he hired and supervised Bernie Bickerstaff on the basketball side and put out numerous fires on the business side. Mostly that meant finessing the owner’s lack of understanding of the NBA and the Charlotte market.
Tapscott made friends throughout the community. The decisions that undermined that goodwill – C-SET, ticket-pricing, etc. – were made above his head.
Ed is now working for close friend Ernie Grunfeld, with both coaching and player-programs duties with the Washington Wizards. His experience, managing Bob Johnson’s peculiarities, would seemingly prepare him for the fractured ownership situation in Atlanta (the Hawks and NHL Thrashers are owned by guys who tend to sue each other.)
Former Hawks GM Billy Knight resigned under pressure, leaving behind the most athletic team in the East. Joe Johnson, Al Horford, Josh Smith and Marvin Williams are intriguing pieces and Mike Bibby is a sound, if aging, point guard.
The Hawks need management that could get Atlanta to care about that team; to make intelligent moves in a transparent, accountable way.
I just described the Ed Tapscott playbook.
Posted by Observer Sports on May 15, 2008 at 10:35 AM | Permalink
Comments
Rick you are officially a pie.
Posted by: Vieira Bhoy | May 15, 2008 11:01:05 AM
Well, Eddie had better hope the Equal Opportunity Employment policy down there in Atlanta is stronger than it is up here. Best of luck to him.
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 15, 2008 12:00:19 PM
um bobcats?
Posted by: rich4114 | May 15, 2008 1:18:17 PM
Thanks Pat Mccroy for running my hornets out of town.
You can count on my vote going to anyone but you in the upcoming election.
The light rail is great, just too bad it runs straight up Bobcat Johnson's ass.
GO CHARLOTTE HORNETS, BRING ON THE LAKERS
Posted by: gohornets | May 15, 2008 6:08:54 PM
In case you forgot the Hornets no longer reside here whether you and the rest of these idiots like it or not, learn to love it(My Ric Flair tribute) this is Bobcats country.....or you just like the hornets can take your raicist a?$!! to New Orleans with them.....
Posted by: Toriano | May 15, 2008 6:43:35 PM
Funny...Rick Flair likes the Hornets better. I haven't heard him over the PA at Bobcats games lately.
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 15, 2008 8:23:29 PM
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Posted by: Vieira Bhoy | May 16, 2008 7:00:00 AM
I find it funny that people are all of a sudden missing the Hornets. Did anyone miss them when they went 18-64? I'm happy that the Hornets are successful, but they are no longer in Charlotte. Let it go...
Posted by: mdizzy5 | May 16, 2008 8:07:18 AM
The Hornets won't be good for long. Cheapo Shinn will find a way to screw up and lose CP.
Posted by: apauldds | May 16, 2008 3:09:02 PM
I'd take good for a short time over perpetually bad (see Bobcats, Charlotte.)
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 16, 2008 9:29:47 PM
I was at the opening game against the cavaliers when we lost by 40. We loved the hornets. The hornets won 20 games that first year with a bunch of unwanted players. I remember beating the mighty MJ on a cold december night. George Shinn made a mistake (who hasn't), but he gave to the homeless in the community. He gave shoes to the needy.
If you check out the Hornet websit now you will see that he is doing many good things in New Orleans for the less fortunate.
George saw the future and the need to generate more income from luxury seats. (check out timewarner arena).
Pat Mccroy and Lynn whoever was set against building a new arena. Then 30 days after the hornets left they were ready to pay for one with tax payer money. George was prepared to pay his share of the expense.
David Stern had a great idea to give us Bob Johnson as the new owner.
Thanks a lot David Stern
Thanks a lot Pat Mccroy.
(You will not be getting my vote)
When the hornets left my desire to watch the nba left as well. I have started watching the playoffs because my Hornets are doing well.
To Bob Johnson, MJ, and all FOM (Friends Of Mike), you guys can't leave soon enough. I hear Seattle has an opening. Hit the road Bobcat Johnson.
Posted by: Sec219 | May 17, 2008 3:56:05 PM
Hi Rick,
I thought about where Ed Tapscott would resurface. I first met him when I relocated to Charlotte from LA and he invited me to come and support the Bobcats. I did and he was gracious and remembered my name every time he ran into me. I think the C-Set and the ticket prices were totally BJ's call and Ed was the fall guy. Now he's gone and MJ is here they are running away any potential Bobcat fans. MJ & BJ want people to support their team but they show very little support and hardly at the games themselves. They are only interested in the financial aspect and since MJ has made it known that he wants to compensated for his appearance fees, I will not be supporting this team. Ed Tapscott is a good guy and looks like Bernie Bickerstaff will take over the Knicks. Imaginge if Bob would've just stayed out and let these two guys run the Bobcats operation.
Posted by: Brian | May 18, 2008 9:36:02 AM
You know who else would be perfect in Atlanta...Rick Bonnell. Head on down there Rick.
Oh and I agree with Procton and the other guy. I'll take a team that at least gives you a shot at the playoffs every year vs. a team that has NO CHANCE. If Paul wasn't hurt for a good deal of last season I bet they would have made the playoffs then too...
Posted by: Paul B. | May 19, 2008 7:19:59 AM
"You know who else would be perfect in Atlanta...Rick Bonnell. Head on down there Rick."
I actually just fell of my seat in work laughing at that. Sucks to be you Rick
Posted by: Vieira Bhoy | May 19, 2008 8:02:19 AM
Wow...you can't sit in your own seat? Special.
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 19, 2008 11:02:26 AM
i was thinking about buying the hawks i only drink a case of beer a day now.when i was part owner of the hornets i was drinking 2 bottles of crown royal a day.i think i might hire spencer the crook stolpen to run the team.ps rick come on down and cover the circus
Posted by: ray red face woolrigde | May 19, 2008 11:03:02 PM
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