BCS:BraveCaringSoul
June-29th-2003, 07:54 PM
Time for Honest Abe to write another big check. Grunfeld's no Rod Thorn, but he's no Uneld either and tht's a gooood thing.
Original URL: http://www.jsonline.com/sports/buck/jun03/151659.asp
Grunfeld released from contract with Bucks
By DON WALKER
dwalker@journalsentinel.com
Last Updated: June 29, 2003
The Bucks said in a news release that Grunfeld, who was earning $1.5 million a year as general manager, would be free to pursue other opportunities in the National Basketball Association.
Larry Harris, son of former Bucks coach Del Harris, has been named acting general manager.
The news of Grunfeld's departure came just hours before U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl announced that he had decided not to sell the team, ending speculation that Michael Jordan was about to buy the Bucks.
Before Kohl's announcement that he was keeping the team he has owned since 1985, it was thought Grunfeld's leave-taking had opened the way for Jordan to name his own management team once he sealed a deal with the senator.
Grunfeld, 48, a former player with the Bucks, was hired in August 1999. While general manager, the team posted a 177-151 record and made three playoff appearances. The best season came in 2001, when the Bucks won the Central Division and came within one game of advancing to the NBA Finals.
The Bucks had initially denied to grant permission to the Wizards and the Portland Trailblazers to talk to Grunfeld about openings in their franchises. The Wizards are looking for a new president of basketball operations, after owner Abe Pollin let Jordan go.
"I have one year left on my contract and the Bucks graciously have allowed me to resign and seek other employment," Grunfeld said. "I appreciate that I have been treated well in Milwaukee and we have had success. I wish only the best for the Bucks and Sen. Kohl in the future."
Kohl said in the news release: "Since Ernie has thoroughly and effectively directed our critical 2003 NBA draft process and with the player transaction completed Friday, we felt it was appropriate to allow him to pursue other NBA openings. We fully appreciate his leadership during the past four seasons."
Neither Kohl nor Grunfeld were available for additional comment. Team officials said they would have no further comment.
Last week, the Bucks selected Texas point guard T.J. Ford in the draft. And on Friday the team sent guard Sam Cassell and center Ervin Johnson to the Minnesota Timberwolves for forward Joe Smith and guard Anthony Peeler.
In both instances, the personnel moves were overshadowed by a report that Jordan, having already reached a tentative agreement with Kohl, was making the decisions for the Bucks, and not Grunfeld.
NBA commissioner David Stern and Grunfeld denied the report, with Grunfeld saying he had not consulted with Jordan. On Friday, Kohl said a sale of the team was not imminent, despite reports that the announcement of the sale could come early this week.
Original URL: http://www.jsonline.com/sports/buck/jun03/151659.asp
Grunfeld released from contract with Bucks
By DON WALKER
dwalker@journalsentinel.com
Last Updated: June 29, 2003
The Bucks said in a news release that Grunfeld, who was earning $1.5 million a year as general manager, would be free to pursue other opportunities in the National Basketball Association.
Larry Harris, son of former Bucks coach Del Harris, has been named acting general manager.
The news of Grunfeld's departure came just hours before U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl announced that he had decided not to sell the team, ending speculation that Michael Jordan was about to buy the Bucks.
Before Kohl's announcement that he was keeping the team he has owned since 1985, it was thought Grunfeld's leave-taking had opened the way for Jordan to name his own management team once he sealed a deal with the senator.
Grunfeld, 48, a former player with the Bucks, was hired in August 1999. While general manager, the team posted a 177-151 record and made three playoff appearances. The best season came in 2001, when the Bucks won the Central Division and came within one game of advancing to the NBA Finals.
The Bucks had initially denied to grant permission to the Wizards and the Portland Trailblazers to talk to Grunfeld about openings in their franchises. The Wizards are looking for a new president of basketball operations, after owner Abe Pollin let Jordan go.
"I have one year left on my contract and the Bucks graciously have allowed me to resign and seek other employment," Grunfeld said. "I appreciate that I have been treated well in Milwaukee and we have had success. I wish only the best for the Bucks and Sen. Kohl in the future."
Kohl said in the news release: "Since Ernie has thoroughly and effectively directed our critical 2003 NBA draft process and with the player transaction completed Friday, we felt it was appropriate to allow him to pursue other NBA openings. We fully appreciate his leadership during the past four seasons."
Neither Kohl nor Grunfeld were available for additional comment. Team officials said they would have no further comment.
Last week, the Bucks selected Texas point guard T.J. Ford in the draft. And on Friday the team sent guard Sam Cassell and center Ervin Johnson to the Minnesota Timberwolves for forward Joe Smith and guard Anthony Peeler.
In both instances, the personnel moves were overshadowed by a report that Jordan, having already reached a tentative agreement with Kohl, was making the decisions for the Bucks, and not Grunfeld.
NBA commissioner David Stern and Grunfeld denied the report, with Grunfeld saying he had not consulted with Jordan. On Friday, Kohl said a sale of the team was not imminent, despite reports that the announcement of the sale could come early this week.