Hornets name Bristow GM

Bristow, who had served as the Hornets’ assistant general manager, will replace Bob Bass, who announced he will retire from his position on June 30, 2004. Bass will continue to work for the organization in his current position and oversee the draft, which will take place on June 24.

Bristow’s duties will include handling the team’s day-to-day basketball operations and overseeing player personnel decisions, the coordination of the schedules for the entire college scouting staff and the compilation of data in preparation for the NBA Draft.

"I’m thrilled about the opportunity that (Hornets Owner) George Shinn has given me to be able to help the Hornets organization reach their goal of putting the best team possible on the floor every night," said Bristow. "I look forward to working with Coach (Byron) Scott and Mr. Shinn and I know that together we’ll do everything possible to make that happen."

Bristow spent six years with the Hornets (1990-1996), including five as the team’s head coach and one as vice president of basketball operations, before re-joining the organization as assistant general manager prior to the 2003-04 season.

He ended with a 207-203 record as the club’s head coach, and at the time, his 207 victories represented the most by any coach in franchise history, a mark that would stand until 2003 (he now ranks second all-time).

Prior to his head coaching duties, he spent the 1990-91 season (and two NBA Drafts) as the Hornets’ vice president of basketball operations. After leaving the sidelines in 1996, Bristow joined the Denver Nuggets as vice president of basketball operations from 1997-1998.