The Athletic (Sam Amick): Nick Ressler runs the team now (The Resslers = Atlanta Spirit Group 2.0?) (OPEN THE FLOOD GATES Y'ALL)

[GameTime]

https://theathletic.com/4086123/2023/01/13/atlanta-hawks-trae-young-nate-mcmillan-power-structure/?source=twitterhq

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When the Atlanta Hawks made their way through a West Coast trip recently, less than two weeks after the unexpected reassignment of President of Basketball Operations Travis Schlenk into an advisory role, their new front office contingent was on full display.

From San Francisco to Sacramento to Los Angeles, the pregame scene — and the Hawks officials within it — was the same.

• General manager Landry Fields, the 34-year-old former NBA player who was elevated from his assistant general manager role in June, who now heads the front office after the shakeup and who previously worked for the San Antonio Spurs as a scout and general manager of their G League team.
• Nick Ressler, the 27-year-old son of Hawks owner Tony Ressler who has had increased influence on roster and staffing decisions during his time as the team’s Director of Business and Basketball Operations (starting in December 2020), according to league sources who like all the other sources in this story were granted anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the situation.
• Ryan Silverstein, the team’s coordinator of cap strategy and administration and a close friend of Nick Ressler’s who, according to his LinkedIn page, became a front office assistant for the Hawks in September 2017.
• Grant Liffmann, the 34-year-old who spent his last six seasons covering Golden State as a media member for NBC Sports Bay Area and who was hired as a pro personnel scout in June and is close friends with Fields.

It’s normal for team executives to travel to road games, especially with the Feb. 9 trade deadline nearing and the intel-sharing game ramping up as a result. But you don’t typically see a team’s brain trust show out in those kinds of numbers.

 

In terms of Hawks officials who matter most in the wake of all this change, the only one missing was former NBA player Kyle Korver, the team’s director of player affairs and development who league sources say may be headed for an assistant general manager role. Vice President of Basketball Strategy and Analytics Dwight Lutz and Senior Director of Player Personnel Dotun Akinwale Jr. were on the trip as well.

But there was a grander purpose behind the front office’s grandiose road trip: The basketball operations group was making its way to Los Angeles, where league sources say they had meetings lined up with Hawks owner Tony Ressler at one of his posh Southern California homes.

Oh, to be a fly on the wall for those sessions.

If ever there was a time to flip your front office upside down — let alone to hand it over to a group that’s this green — this isn’t it. And there’s this revelation, too: Despite the Hawks announcing that Schlenk would still play a complementary part in their decision-making process after spending the past five-plus seasons heading their front office, league sources say he is no longer part of Atlanta’s operation in any way and is free to leave for another organization. As our Shams Charania reported on Dec. 30, the Hawks also dismissed three long-tenured and widely-respected talent evaluators in senior adviser Rod Higgins, director of pro scouting Stephen Giles and Vice President of Player Personnel Derek Pierce.

Never mind that Ressler gave Schlenk and his staff extensions last year and is known to have said internally that he wanted them to lead the Hawks through this decade.

As Fox Sports’ Ric Bucher reported recently, league sources confirmed to The Athletic that Nick Ressler’s effect on the decision-making process played a pivotal part in the power dynamics that ultimately lead to Schlenk’s exile. This was a bit of an open secret around the league, and it is clear that Nick Ressler’s voice is being heavily considered on all things Hawks these days.

 

As I discussed on a December podcast visit with The Ringer, this reality that key Hawks figures were feeling undermined by Nick Ressler’s influence became a growing issue internally in recent months – specifically in relation to Trae Young — and had everything to do with Tony Ressler’s choice to overhaul the staff. The Dejounte Murray trade with San Antonio was the beginning of the end, as sources say it went down despite Schlenk expressing his concerns about the price being paid (three first-rounders, a first-round pick swap and Danilo Gallinari) and with Nick Ressler known to be a driving force behind the deal. As our John Hollinger detailed on Monday, the Murray deal essentially cost the Hawks Kevin Huerter as well when they had to trade him to Sacramento to get under the luxury tax.

In terms of the ownership-front office dynamics that they’d already been dealing with to that point, there was no coming back from there. The Nate McMillan messiness that we chronicled in early December, it seems clear, played a part in the final decision regarding Schlenk. Going forward, league sources say Tony Ressler may add a more experienced front office executive to their group to address the reality of the current regime’s inexperience.

The Hawks have been one of the NBA’s more active teams in recent weeks on the trade market, with a focus on landing players who can help now (as opposed to replenishing their diminished draft assets). This shouldn’t surprise anyone. Considering the lofty expectations both externally and internally, they clearly need and want to get better quickly.

After all these years of John Collins trade rumors, executives who have spoken to the Hawks about acquiring the veteran forward recently have indicated that the asking price has — understandably — declined significantly this time around. As I detailed in my recent conversation with Collins, the combination of his large contract and his declined production is hardly helpful in terms of his modern-day value. In some scenarios, the Hawks are merely asking for a quality player in return (and not a first-round pick), according to league sources.

Yet when the Hawks came through Sacramento on Jan. 4, I wanted to get a sense of how the most high-profile Hawks players saw this entire sordid situation. Beyond the front office turmoil, there was the Trae Young-McMillan weirdness and the subsequent questions about whether the Hawks coach might even resign as a result of all the dysfunction. It has been…a lot. To say the least.

Dejounte Murray

Put yourself in Murray’s shoes.

 

When the 26-year-old guard first came to town, his enthusiasm with the move was well-chronicled. He was excited about teaming up with Young, which mattered a great deal – especially since Murray will be a free agent in the summer of 2024. It had only been one season since the Hawks’ East Finals appearance in 2021, and there was an expectation within the locker room that this group would be capable of contending with the East’s elite again.

But now, amid all these on-court struggles, Murray now finds himself navigating an environment that is wholly different from the only other NBA spot he’s ever known. He spent the first six seasons with a San Antonio Spurs organization that is known for its lack of drama. As he admitted, the transition from there to here has been challenging.

“I mean, there’s a lot going on (that’s) non-basketball,” Murray told The Athletic. “And then with basketball, you’ve got guys in trade rumors. It’s obviously more than…”

He paused to deliberate his message before continuing.

“I wouldn’t say more than what I expected, but more than where I came from in San Antonio where everything was just not as loud,” Murray continued. “There’s a lot going on, but for me I’m just trying to keep guys together with my leadership, showing up to work, working hard, being vocal and keeping us together, and trying to keep the outside noise the outside noise. “But at the end of the day, we all see it. You can’t hide. You can’t run from it. For me, like I say and I always preach, adversity shows what you’re built of and who you are. I love adversity. From where I come from to make it to the NBA, getting overlooked, getting hurt, being out a whole year- just fighting. No matter what. Adversity, it helps build you up. So like I said, there’s a lot of noise, but at the end of the day, winning takes care of it all. So we need to control what we can control, continue to come together as brothers, and try to go out and win basketball games.”

While the Hawks are adamant that Young remains the centerpiece of their franchise, it’s worth wondering where they might go from here if they don’t turn things around. More specifically, this question looms large: What will Murray’s mindset be this summer as he enters the final year of his deal? Considering the massive amount they paid to get him, the prospect of him leaving two summers from now would be less than ideal.

In the here and now, he continues to learn how to be at his best while playing alongside a fellow All-Star who is also one of the league’s most ball-dominant players. Young is currently ranked sixth in usage, while Murray – who was 42nd last season with the Spurs while earning his first All-Star berth – is now 72nd. Naturally, Murray’s production has dipped from that campaign.

 

Points: 21.1 per game last season to 20.4

Rebounds: 8.3 to 5.4

Assists: 9.2 to 6.1

Yet while Young’s production has been near his personal norms — 27.5 points and 9.8 assists per game — the Hawks’ offense which was the league’s second-best last season has plummeted to 22nd.

Murray’s elite defensive skills have helped matters on that end, as the Hawks are currently 15th in defensive rating after finishing 26th in 2021-22 (and that’s with center Clint Capela playing just one game since suffering a calf injury in mid-December).

“I’m trying to figure this out,” Murray said when asked about his big-picture view. “I’m trying to figure this out and kind of find my niche in Atlanta, get comfortable in Atlanta. Obviously, it is a business – like you said. At the end of the day, when that (free agency) time comes, that time comes. I’m focusing on basketball right now. They brought me here to win, so I’ve got to continue to grow, continue to get better, learn, figure out my teammates, and try to get us to win games.”

Trae Young

Young was on his way out of the visitor’s locker room when we spoke. And once the conversation shifted to some of the less-flattering subplots that have unfolded in recent months, it was clear he wasn’t interested in sharing his innermost thoughts.

“New season, new teammates. We’re just trying to get it right and get healthy. We’ll be alright. We’ve beat really good teams. We’ve lost to teams where we feel like we should have won. It’s really just about us and us taking care of what we can control and making sure we’re ready every night. We’ve done a bad job sometimes of just kind of not being ready sometimes. Maybe it’s because we’ve got new guys – you never know. But if we get into a rhythm, that’s all it takes. You get into a rhythm with one game, two games, and then it’ll take care of itself.

 

I know especially after a game like this you’re not in a big picture head space, but I do wonder how you see the state of the operation. You’re talking about the front office change, the stuff with your coach. How are you feeling about all of it?

I’m fine. I feel like there’s a lot of people outside that don’t really understand what’s going on inside. I just, I kind of laugh at it sometimes when people want to assume things and whatever.

As many likely remember, Young had a similar response last month when he addressed his choice not to attend Atlanta’s Dec. 2 game against Denver.

I’ll be the first to admit. We don’t always get the entire story.

And that’s fine. That’s what it’s supposed to be.

But we get some. 

And you should. You should get some, but then you should stay private on some things too. I’m good, man.

To me, the important takeaway is that you’re the guy leading this thing. So where’s your confidence level?

My confidence level is high.

Is Landry a good guy to lead things?

Great guy. Landry’s a great guy.

So there’s confidence there?

The confidence is always there.

John Collins

The air-quotes said it all.

When Collins brought up the Schlenk situation — unsolicited, I might add — during the end of our aforementioned chat, his analysis included the universal sign for non-verbal skepticism as he spoke these words.

“Travis is not with us anymore, or…” 

He then raised both hands in that familiar, age-old gesture.

“…he’s taken an advisory role, so I know that just changes things.”

Gosh, John, why would you put air quotes on it? (thick with sarcasm) 

You know what I’m saying? It’s just stuff that you never really expect. Guys were hired from certain people, and this and that, and it just creates uncertainty sometimes. And I feel like that makes stuff harder.

But do the players on this team have an understanding of why the front office change was made?

No. You know what I mean? I mean I saw it, and we got briefed on it. And they told us what…

Who was doing the briefing?

You had Landry, the coaches — everybody. Everybody gave their piece on what to expect. And as I said, I didn’t try to think about it too much because I know that even if I do go ask, or go knocking for that answer, I might not get the real answer. I wasn’t in the room. I don’t know what was happening. But I definitely thought it was surprising, to say the least. But you know, okay, now what? We got told that right before practice (before the move was announced on Dec. 21), and now I’ve got to go practice, get ready, get my body recovered and get ready to go play that night. So am I going to think about that all day? No, I’ve got to lock in and focus on my job. And that’s sort of how I’m attacking it, you know what I mean? It’s just a lot of different things that can happen on any day. You’ve just got to be ready for anything.

 

Edited January 13, 2023 by GameTime

[Spud2nique]

I don’t like his face. I’m worried. His face looks like an overconfident yuppie who has been coddled all his life and is about to get in WAAAAYYYY OVER HIS HEAD. 
 

Hope I’m wrong but Tony Ressler might be pretty selfish to the city of Atlanta if this bs doesn’t work out and people should give him hell forever if he hands this bs over to his privileged a$$ rugrat.

  

[macdaddy]

This is heading toward dumpster fire territory.   Not to be dramatic but there's a good chance other teams suck our talent away for peanuts like Sac did and we're left with a star who wants out and lottery picks we have to swap.  

[GameTime]

1 minute ago, Spud2nique said:

I don’t like his face. I’m worried. His face looks like an overconfident yuppie who has been coddled all his life and is about to get in WAAAAYYYY OVER HIS HEAD. 
 

Hope I’m wrong but Tony Ressler might be pretty selfish to the city of Atlanta if this bs doesn’t work out and people should give him hell forever if he hands this bs over to his privileged a$$ rugrat.

  

RETURN OF THE CLOWN SHOW Y'ALL

[Atlantaholic]

Just now, macdaddy said:

This is heading toward dumpster fire territory.   Not to be dramatic but there's a good chance other teams suck our talent away for peanuts like Sac did and we're left with a star who wants out and lottery picks we have to swap.  

Well we are like 30% of the way there. Collins for Utah trash trade incoming and we'll be 60% of the way there. 

[Spud2nique]

Why can’t an owner come along who’s as passionate about the Hawks winning as us fans? Ughhh .. 

 

This is just.. it’s not cool to do this to a fanbase. We’ve been through too much.

[macdaddy]

Just now, Spud2nique said:

Why can’t an owner come along who’s as passionate about the Hawks winning as us fans? Ughhh .. 

 

This is just.. it’s not cool to do this to a fanbase. We’ve been through too much.

Because for the few people who have a billion dollars this is the best investment you can make.  And you don't even have to put a good product out.  Value just goes up and up. 

[marco102]

Complete shitshow.

They better make this work or their cash cow Trae Young will be out of here in three years.

 

[BudBall]

Stuff like this can set an organization back years! We are screwed and I would not be surprised there is truth of Trae Young eventually asking out of this mess. 

[kg01]

6 minutes ago, marco102 said:

Complete shitshow.

They better make this work or their cash cow Trae Young will be out of here in three years.

 

I'm afraid to post from 2024.

Right now, we have Fields, sonny-Jim (Ressler), and Trae.  By 2024, I can see 2 of the 3 still being here and the one gone is mist likely the only one we know is good at their current job. 

[AHF]

I hate that Nick Ressler is running the show.  Hate it.  Anyone who has seen my past rants on this stuff knows that I think good owners hire good basketball (football, baseball, etc.) people and the more they get out of their way the better.  And I'm just going to say that no 27 year old should be running something like this but especially one who has no real sports management experience and no substantive basketball background.  That just sucks.

The one thing I will say to the idea that this is ASG 2.0, though, is that it isn't.  This is a meddling owner wanting to run the show.  We've seen that with Jerry Jones, Mark Cuban, and many other owners.  The ASG was an unprecedented situation where you had a 3 party, majority vote structure for ownership and you had two coup attempts by people who didn't have the power they wanted.  Those embarrassed and damaged the team in profound ways.  That isn't the issue here.  

The big issue here is one of competence and nepotism.  And the nepotism theme goes beyond just Nick.  His buddy with only a couple of years experience is his technical cap guy.  Landry's buddy who lacks a top scouting pedigree is the lead scout, etc.  This is terrible to see.  Reminds you of Jared Kushner or Jaden Smith or Sofia Coppola in the Godfather, etc.  That rarely ends well.  But I do think it is different and more common than the ASG fiascos (multiple).

[macdaddy]

1 minute ago, AHF said:

Reminds you of Jared Kushner or Jaden Smith or Sofia Coppola in the Godfather, etc.

LOL

[warcore]

well I guess those lost picks from the Murray deal don't matter since we have dog shit evaluating talent now. 

a$$holes

[sturt]

Scary times.

But it's just entertainment. Just recreation. Just a consumer choice.

Caring about the Hawks is something I only do because I perceive some dopamine rushes come from it. The moment the prospect for dopamine rushes desist, the Hawks get the same treatment that the Nationals have gotten in baseball.... I'll just adopt a distant-second favorite team and pay less attention to the NBA overall unless/until the day would come that they re-legitimize me spending any time on them.

 

[JTB]

20 minutes ago, GameTime said:

RETURN OF THE CLOWN SHOW Y'ALL

 

18 minutes ago, Spud2nique said:

Why can’t an owner come along who’s as passionate about the Hawks winning as us fans? Ughhh .. 

 

This is just.. it’s not cool to do this to a fanbase. We’ve been through too much.

yup I said all this a few weeks ago. ASG 2.0 or may turn out worse!

im not against young folks in high positions but a 27 year old has massive power . Trae is his friend and he’s very young with power. Then I read all those guys in ages between 30-37 that are in the front office with no real experience…..smh I’m just lost for words!

and Tony is allowing this mess??!! …he allowing a 27 year old run the franchise we love. Smh that’s almost worse than the ASG.

[kg01]

Although @AHF is right that this is different than the A$G, does it really matter?

Thats like picking between drowning or freezing to death.  I'd go with neither, Alex.

And them going out to LA to pal around just smacks of all the wrong things.  Im sure other mgt teams do it but the timing and optics are terrible considering the season has been aflame for months now with no relief in sight.  But yall out by the pool just rubbin' each other ....

.... what?  I was gonna say 'shoulders'.  Why're you lookin at me like that? 

Oh and I bet the source for all this rhymes with mcNate Schlenkillan... 

[Atlantaholic]

5 minutes ago, AHF said:

I hate that Nick Ressler is running the show.  Hate it.  Anyone who has seen my past rants on this stuff knows that I think good owners hire good basketball (football, baseball, etc.) people and the more they get out of their way the better.  And I'm just going to say that no 27 year old should be running something like this but especially one who has no real sports management experience and no substantive basketball background.  That just sucks.

The one thing I will say to the idea that this is ASG 2.0, though, is that it isn't.  This is a meddling owner wanting to run the show.  We've seen that with Jerry Jones, Mark Cuban, and many other owners.  The ASG was an unprecedented situation where you had a 3 party, majority vote structure for ownership and you had two coup attempts by people who didn't have the power they wanted.  Those embarrassed and damaged the team in profound ways.  That isn't the issue here.  

The big issue here is one of competence and nepotism.  And the nepotism theme goes beyond just Nick.  His buddy with only a couple of years experience is his technical cap guy.  Landry's buddy who lacks a top scouting pedigree is the lead scout, etc.  This is terrible to see.  Reminds you of Jared Kushner or Jaden Smith or Sofia Coppola in the Godfather, etc.  That rarely ends well.  But I do think it is different and more common than the ASG fiascos (multiple).

You mean a 27 year old wtih absolutely no experience, playing, coaching or managing basketball overriding one of the most respected GMs in the NBA and firing him

 

17 minutes ago, marco102 said:

Complete shitshow.

They better make this work or their cash cow Trae Young will be out of here in three years.

 

Man, seens like the guy with 15+ years of front office experience and one of the most respected GMs in basketball may have known what he was talking about. Murray trade looking like a disaster. Maybe we shouldn't have fired that guy. Just maybe. 

[kg01]

3 minutes ago, sturt said:

Scary times.

But it's just entertainment. Just recreation. Just a consumer choice.

Caring about the Hawks is something I only do because I perceive some dopamine rushes come from it. The moment the prospect for dopamine rushes desist, the Hawks get the same treatment that the Nationals have gotten in baseball.... I'll just adopt a distant-second favorite team and pay less attention to the NBA overall unless/until the day would come that they re-legitimize me spending any time on them.

 

You just gonna move on?  But then ... what would we fight about, stu? 

[Spud2nique]

22 minutes ago, macdaddy said:

Because for the few people who have a billion dollars this is the best investment you can make.  And you don't even have to put a good product out.  Value just goes up and up. 

If I ever own the Hawks I’m appointing (some)  of you all (most cuz you’re passionate) to the staff in one form or another. Wait, that’s kinda what Ressler is doin with his son..

But you guys know basketball , that kid is an idiot.  I’m sorry I’m just..

[AHF]

The biggest positive I saw in all of that **** was the idea that Kyle Korver might be the new Assistant GM.  That would be at least be the potential for real help for Landry.