Anything is Possible. An NBA 2K19 GM Story.

**RMJH4** · 11-07-2018, 05:31 PM

Unfinished Business: A Michael Jordan Story

Wizards owner Abe Pollin dies, aged 78.

June 1st, 2002 | by NBA.COM

WASHINGTON -- Abe Pollin, the Washington Wizards owner who brought an NBA championship to the nation's capital and later had the savy to bring Michael Jordan out of retirement, died Tuesday. He was 78.

His death was announced by his company, Washington Sports & Entertainment. No details were disclosed but Pollin suffered from progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare brain disorder that impairs movement and balance.

"The NBA family has lost its most revered member, whose stewardship of the Wizards franchise, together with his wife Irene, has been a study in unparalleled dedication to the city of Washington," NBA commissioner David Stern said. "During his illness he fought with a determination and valor that will remain an inspiration to all."

Pollin was the NBA's longest-tenured owner. With his death, a group led by longtime AOL executive Ted Leonsis is poised to take ownership of a Washington-area sports empire that began when Pollin purchased the Baltimore Bullets in 1964.

"I just lost a real, real good friend," said Wes Unseld, star of the 1978 championship team and now the team's general manager. "And I think it's more than any of you will understand or I could even explain. It's just going to be a big void in sports in this community."

A moment of silence will be observed in Pollin's memory before the NBA Draft Lottery on Friday night.

"He would want us to celebrate his life and not mourn his death," coach Doug Collins said. "That's just the individual he was. But when you're here going through it, it's not that easy."

Leonsis previously bought two of Pollin's teams -- the NHL's Capitals in 1999 and the WNBA's Mystics in 2005 -- and secured the right of first refusal to buy the rest of Pollin's Washington Sports & Entertainment holdings -- including the Wizards, Verizon Center and Washington-Baltimore TicketMaster -- when Pollin retired or died.

"We are committed to continuing his tradition of building exciting, championship-caliber teams," Leonsis said in a statement. "One of Abe's dying wishes was that I would continue to run the franchise and lead it towards a championship." "I endeavor to do just that, it was a common goal in which we first became good friends."

In the changing world of professional sports, Pollin stood out for decades as an owner who tried to run his teams like a family business. He bemoaned the runaway salaries of free agency and said it would have been difficult for him to keep the Wizards if it weren't for the NBA's salary cap.

Pollin considered his greatest accomplishment the Verizon Center. He risked much of his fortune to build the arena in a neglected D.C. neighborhood, and it has spearheaded a revitalization of downtown Washington since its opening in 1997.

"There's no important initiative or any end to difficult situations or any settlement or any legislation that Abe was not leading the way on across all these years," Stern said in March. "He's been an extraordinary league person, always voting the league way, similar to what he did in building Verizon Center. He was going the D.C. way, not necessarily what was in his best economic interest but what was in the best economic interests of Washington, D.C."

A builder by trade, Pollin also constructed the Verizon Center's predecessor, originally known as the Capital Centre, in the Washington suburbs in 1973. He renamed his NBA team in 1997 because of the violent connotation of the word "Bullets," particularly in a city associated with crime.

Pollin was critical of modern-day player misbehavior and wouldn't hesitate to trade a star who got in trouble off the court. At his insistence, the final labor agreement after the 1998-99 lockout included stricter rules concerning player conduct.

"You may or may not want to be role models, but you are role models," Pollin told his players after the labor talks ended. "If you don't want to be role models, you should get out of this business and go do something else."

Pollin's ultimate coup -- getting Jordan back into the NBA -- was a plan that has so far looked like a master stroke. Jordan bought a minority stake in the Wizards in 2000 and was given the title of president of basketball operations.

The sport's biggest name has so far spent 2½ seasons in Washington. The last season made Pollin's decision look like an ingenious move as the Wizards grabbed the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference and reached the Eastern Conference Finals. Pollin was proud to see Jordan don the Wizards blue uniform and bring winning days back to DC.

Pollin later explained his decision in an interview with The Associated Press.

"It was a horrible atmosphere losing night in and night out," Pollin said. "Michael and I knew we had to think outside the box in a bid to build a winning team again. ... I knew that there would be some negative stuff thrown at him by the basketball royalty, telling him it was a mistake, but when he made his decision, I was so proud. The greatest player in the history of basketball, wearing my team's uniform."

The drama of Jordan's return brought much needed income and sales to one of the leagues worst teams. Jordan's uniform became a top 5 seller. Washington sold out all of their 41 home game and all of their playoff games.

"He had opportunities to go to other places, but this is where he wanted to be," Pollin said. "He wanted to do this for my team, my city. I'll never forget it, it gave me peace to see the Wizards as a top team one more time."

"He loved Washington," Unseld said, "when some of us at the time really didn't care a lot about it."

**RMJH4** · 11-07-2018, 05:31 PM

Leonsis takes control of Wizards.

Leonsis takes control of Wizards

June 7th, 2002 | by NBA.COM

WASHINGTON -- Ted Leonsis received 130 e-mails from Washington Wizards fans before he had owned the team a full day. Three came from a fan concerned about the quality of the ketchup at the Verizon Center.

Yes, owning two major sports teams is going to take a lot of work.

"I hoping I'm not going to get 130 e-mails a day for both teams," said Leonsis, who opened an e-mail address for fans and is going to try to answer them all.

The 53-year-old former AOL executive stood at a podium Thursday to announce that he has formally taken control of a major sports and entertainment empire. The NBA gave its approval Tuesday, and the papers were signed Wednesday to complete the purchase of the Wizards, the Verizon Center and other assets from the estate of the late Abe Pollin.

Leonsis already owned the NHL's Washington Capitals and WBNA's Washington Mystics and 44 percent of the Wizards and Verizon Center. His group paid about $310 million for the other 56 percent to create a new entity -- called Monumental Sports & Entertainment -- whose total value is more than $825 million.

The focus, however, was solely on the man at the top. Despite his lofty position, Leonsis is not an entourage man. He walked to the microphone with no introduction and spoke for some 52 minutes, answering a wide range of questions. The contrast with the city's other major sports owners -- the media-shy duo of Dan Snyder (Redskins) and Ted Lerner (Nationals) -- couldn't have been more striking.

The immediate concern for both Wizards and Capitals fans is whether Leonsis can find enough time to devote his full energies to both teams as well as all of his other interests.

"I believe I have the personal bandwidth and the experience to be able to manage all of these assets," Leonsis said. "Yes, I do worry about it. ... I'm going to stop doing some of those [other] things and put my focus on the teams. There's only so many hours in the day."

The Wizards had a bounce back season this year led by Michael Jordan as they nearly reached the playoffs. The core of a good group is there already to build on. "We have a very important offseason and are already doing our due diligence on all possibilities. We can make that jump next season. We have a good mix in our roster, but we will look to add some more youth and sustain the long term viability of the franchise." said Leonsis.

Leonsis reiterated that he plans to retain general manager Wes Unseld and coach Doug Collins. He said he is now exchanging e-mails with Michael Jordan the current President of Basketball Operations and star player.

"It's very important that Michael is involved in the process this summer. He has been a fantastic addition as a player," Leonsis said. "Michael knows the most important thing for him to do is to stay in shape, to be a great teammate and to be a pillar of our community."

Leonsis indicated he'd like to revive the franchise's old red-based color scheme, which would mirror a similarly popular change he made with the Capitals. But he added "there will be no name change" despite a widespread sentiment that the Wizards should go back to their old nickname, the Bullets.

"I'm shocked with all that we have to do that that's been, like, the No. 1 question, e-mail, message board conversation," Leonsis said.

**RMJH4** · 11-07-2018, 06:03 PM

Episode 1 : A New Beginning.

Episode 1 : Are you Serious?!.

May 2002

Washington, D.C., inside the MCI Center. Michael Jordan has just finished his first season back on the court with the Washington Wizards, but the team missed the playoffs, and there’s tension in the locker room. Abe Pollin, the previous owner, has passed away, and Ted Leonsis, the new owner, is meeting with Jordan to discuss the future of the franchise.

Ted Leonsis: [calmly, with a respectful tone] Michael, I want to start by saying how much I respect what you’ve done for this franchise. Bringing you here was a huge moment for the Wizards, and your presence alone elevated us. But... we need to talk about the future.

Michael Jordan: [arms crossed, eyes focused] Alright. What’s on your mind, Ted?

Leonsis: [carefully choosing his words] As you know, when Abe brought you on, the idea was that after your playing days, you'd transition back into the front office. You were supposed to retire here and continue shaping this franchise long-term. But... with Abe gone, the circumstances have changed. That agreement is now... null and void.

Jordan: [a bit surprised, but masking it with a stoic expression] Null and void? So, what are you saying?

Leonsis: [leans forward] I’m saying that things are different now. I need to take this organization in the direction I see fit. You’ve been great on the court, but I’m not sure how this hybrid role—playing and overseeing basketball operations—is working out. The team missed the playoffs, and there’s been some unrest in the locker room. I’m hearing some of the younger guys, like Kwame, aren’t responding well to your leadership style.

Jordan: [coldly] Unrest? Kwame’s a rookie, Ted. He’s supposed to get tough love. If he can’t handle that, he’s in the wrong league. This isn’t about being friends; it’s about winning. You brought me here to change the culture, and that’s exactly what I’m doing.

Leonsis: [nodding slowly] I get that, Michael. I really do. But as the new owner, I need to make sure everything is cohesive. The locker room, the staff, the front office—everything needs to be in sync. And right now, there’s too much friction. I need you to focus on playing or towing the line with the overall direction. We can’t have both.

Jordan: [frowns, leaning in slightly] So, what’s this about? You’re giving me an ultimatum? Play and keep quiet, or step down?

Leonsis: [firmly but not aggressively] Not exactly, but... yes. I need you to make a choice. Either you focus strictly on playing next season, or we part ways. I know this wasn’t the original plan, but like I said, Abe’s no longer with us. We need to do what’s best for the organization now, not what was agreed to years ago.

Jordan: [voice rising slightly, tension building] Best for the organization? You think pulling the plug on my role is what’s best? I came back to build something here. I didn’t come back just to play; I came back to lead this franchise from the top down. You want me to just be a player now? After everything I’ve done?

Leonsis: [keeping his tone steady] It’s not that I don’t appreciate what you’ve done, Michael. I do. But we have to be realistic about where things stand. This dual role isn’t working, and it’s not leading to wins. I’m offering you a way forward—either as a player or, if you want out, we can terminate your contract and let you walk. It’s your call.

Jordan: [stands up, clearly angry now] Terminate my contract? Just like that? After I dragged this team from irrelevance? After I played through injuries, sacrificed my body—at 39—because I believed in what we were doing here?

Leonsis: [calm but firm] It’s not personal, Michael. I’m running a business. If you don’t want to focus on just playing, then maybe it’s better for both of us to part ways. No hard feelings.

Jordan: [coldly, voice steady but sharp] You’re damn right it’s not personal—it’s business. But I’m not here to be some role player, Ted. I’m here to win. And if you don’t want me leading this team the way it needs to be led, then you’re right—we should part ways.

Leonsis: [sighs] Is that really what you want?

Jordan: [pauses, jaw clenched] I don’t want to be in a place where I’m not trusted to do what I came to do. If you’re telling me to either fall in line or get out, then I’m out. Terminate the contract. I’ll be a free agent.

Leonsis: [nods slowly, a hint of disappointment in his eyes] Alright, Michael. If that’s what you want, we’ll release you from your contract. You’ve done more for the game than anyone could ask, but we’re clearly not on the same page about where this franchise is headed.

Jordan: [sternly] No, we’re not. Good luck with your plan, Ted. I hope it works out for you.

Jordan turns and walks out of the office, his departure as sudden and forceful as his presence. The Wizards' future may be in Ted Leonsis’s hands, but Jordan’s next move remains shrouded in mystery.

**RMJH4** · 11-08-2018, 07:43 AM

Meeting with Barry Ackerley.

Episode 2: A Familiar Voice.

May 1st, 2001

Michael Jordan’s home in Washington, D.C. It’s late evening, and the tension from his confrontation with Abe Pollin still lingers in the air. Jordan sits by a window, looking out at the city, phone in hand. It rings—Scottie Pippen is calling. Pippen, now a Portland Trail Blazer, has heard the news about Jordan leaving the Wizards.

Michael Jordan: [picks up the phone] Scottie.

Scottie Pippen: [concerned] Mike, man... I heard what happened. You really quit? You’re out of Washington?

Jordan: [sighs] Yeah, it’s done. Pollin and I weren’t seeing eye to eye. He didn’t trust me to run the team the way it needed to be run. So I told him I was out. I’m a free agent now.

Pippen: [surprised] Damn. Well, I can’t say I’m shocked. I know how you are. If they’re not letting you lead the way you want, you’re gone. [pause] So, what’s the next move? You thinking about hanging it up for good this time?

Jordan: [pauses, staring out the window] No. Not yet. I still have something left. My body’s not what it used to be, but my mind... it’s sharper than ever. I just need the right situation.

Pippen: [hopeful] Well, you know... I’ve been thinking. We’ve got something brewing out here in Portland. I know it didn’t work out with the young guys in Washington, but here we’ve got experience. Talent. I’m telling you, Mike—if you and me teamed up again, we could make a run at this thing one more time. What do you think? You, me, the Blazers... it could be special.

Jordan: [chuckles] Portland, huh? You guys got a squad, I’ll give you that. But... nah, Scottie. I don’t think that’s the move.

Pippen: [puzzled] Why not? I mean, it worked for us before. We know how to win together.

Jordan: [serious tone] That’s exactly why, Scottie. We know how to win together. But look at the last few years. Me in Washington, you in Portland. We haven’t been able to replicate what we had. It’s not just about us being on the same team—it’s about the environment, the system, everything. We’ve been trying to do it with other teams, and it’s not clicking the same way.

Pippen: [quietly] So what are you saying?

Jordan: [smirks] I’m saying... what do you think about giving Jerry Reinsdorf a call?

Pippen: [surprised] Reinsdorf? You mean... Chicago?

Jordan: [grins] Yeah. Chicago. What if we found a way to get the band back together? One more time. You and me, back where it all started. We’ve done it with other teams, and it hasn’t worked out the way we wanted. But we know Chicago. We are Chicago. And I’ve been watching... they’ve got some promising young pieces. Guys who could help our tired old bodies make one last run.

Pippen: [curious] Young pieces? Like who?

Jordan: [leans back in his chair] Tyson Chandler. Big guy, still raw, but he’s got potential. Eddy Curry—needs some development, but the kid’s got touch around the basket. And Jamal Crawford... he’s got handles, he can score. They’re young, Scottie, but with the right leadership, they could be special. And you know, we can give them the leadership they need.

Pippen: [pauses, thinking] Man... Chicago. I never thought about it, but now that you’re saying it... we could do something with that team. But you really think Reinsdorf would go for it? After everything with Krause?

Jordan: [serious tone] Jerry Reinsdorf is a businessman. He knows what we did for that city. If we go to him with this, he’ll listen. Besides, Krause is out of the picture now. It’s a different front office. Reinsdorf is still there, though, and I bet he wouldn’t mind one last dance with us.

Pippen: [intrigued] You really think we’ve got enough left in the tank?

Jordan: [confidently] I know we do. We’re not the same as we were in ‘98, but with these young guys carrying the load and us showing them the way? We could be dangerous. One last shot, Scottie. We've got some unfinished business in Chicago.

Pippen: [smiling on the other end] Alright, Mike. I’ll make the call. Let’s see if we can get Jerry on board.

Jordan: [grinning] That’s what I like to hear. Let’s see if we can pull off one more miracle.

They hang up, and the wheels are in motion for what could be one of the most shocking NBA reunions in history. Jordan’s always been about legacy—and this time, he’s looking to rewrite the final chapter back where it all began.

**Jaiveer** · 11-08-2018, 01:21 PM

Re: Anything is Possible. An NBA 2K19 GM Story.

looking good, following

**georgiafan** · 11-08-2018, 03:41 PM

Re: Anything is Possible. An NBA 2K19 GM Story.

nice to have you around these parts looking good

**RMJH4** · 11-10-2018, 01:57 PM

Sonics sold to Starbucks' Schultz.

Wizards hire new President of Basketball Operations.

June 16th, 2002 | by NBA.COM

Monumental Sports & Entertainment owner Ted Leonsis announced today that Ernie Grunfeld has been hired as President of Basketball Operations for the Washington Wizards, effectively replacing Michael Jordan. Per policy, terms were not enclosed.

“We are so excited that Ernie will be joining us in the Wizards organization. He has a brilliant basketball mind and will bring so much to our team,” said Leonsis. “He is a proven winner and I look forward to great things from him. Hiring Ernie will also allow Michael to fully concentrate on his final season in the league and help in our quest to bring a title to Washington.”

“I am very pleased to be joining the Wizards. This is going to be an exciting challenge and with the caliber of talent on the Wizards’ team, this makes this an ideal situation,” said Grunfeld.

Prior to joining the Wizards, Grunfeld spent the previous three seasons as general manager of the Milwaukee Bucks, where the team’s 14 playoff wins during his tenure exceeded the team’s cumulative total in the 12 seasons prior to his arrival. In three seasons with Milwaukee, the Bucks posted a record of 177-151 (.540) and never finished below .500 while making the playoffs three times. Grunfeld was named general manager of the Bucks on August 13, 1999 after 17 seasons with Knicks.

During Grunfeld’s reign as the Knicks top personnel executive, New York advanced to at least the Conference Semifinals of the NBA Playoffs each season. His tenure included five 50-plus win seasons, three Atlantic Division Championships and two trips to the NBA Finals in 1994 and 1999. In eight seasons as general manager or vice-president of player personnel, his Knicks teams had a record of 397-227 (.636) and a 61-44 record in the playoffs.

With the recent major changes in the Wizards franchise, this is perhaps the most surprising one of all. What happened to Michael Jordan? Jordan was the President of Basketball Operations, technically, he relinquished that role when he returned as a player, but no official announcement was made. Jordan has also been rumored to have made a bid to outright purchase the Wizards in the past weeks. Leonsis and his group were always going to take over, but maybe Jordan has thrown a spanner in the works behind closed doors.

It's been long rumored Jordan wants full control of a franchise from top to bottom. When he was in negotiations with George Shinn to buy shares in the Hornets in 1999, he eventually called off negotiations as he wouldn't be given full control of basketball operations. Now the arrangement seemed to be that Jordan gave GM Wes Unseld his instructions, and Unseld carried them out. The chain of command seems to be broken now, with Grunfeld being hired as the new President. This offseason is about to become a whole lot more interesting.

**RMJH4** · 11-11-2018, 05:35 PM

Interview with new Sonics General Manager Mike Hobbs

Will Jordan opt out of final contract year?

June 25th, 2002 | by NBA.COM

Michael Jordan, who gave the Washington Wizards a fantastic year of sell-out crowds while on the court, will not return to the front office, his agent David Falk said in a statement. Jordan constructed the majority of the roster which led to the Wizards clinching a #1 seed in the East and the Wizards also reached the Eastern Conference Finals. Ernie Grunfeld has been hired as the new President of Basketball Operations, essentially replacing Jordan.

The Wednesday announcement came after a week of speculation about his future with the team and followed several meetings between Jordan and the new majority owner Ted Leonsis.

"I firmly believe that Michael's time with us as a player will have a lasting impact on every player on our roster and there is no question that our fans have been treated to a very unique season," said Leonsis in a statement. "In my evaluations this season, I feel that this franchise needed to move in a different direction. By allowing Michael to concentrate on solely being a player, he will be able to maximize the effect of his last full playing season. We fully value and appreciate his worth to us as a franchise leader and All Star player. Ernie and I will look to surround him with even more talent this offseason to push for the NBA Finals."

There is speculation that Jordan tried to buy a controlling stake of the Wizards franchise through various groups, but Leonsis' group was always in the driving seat for that sale. It may have irked Leonsis that Jordan tried to force him out. It's widely known that Jordan wants to own an NBA franchise and have full control over basketball operations, but this opportunity is fading fast now in Washington.

Jordan could now look to buy into the Charlotte expansion franchise, which is open for bidding this summer. BET Entertainment owner Robert Johnson is the favorite, and is a friend of Jordan's. Jordan could buy part of that franchise which may begin play in the 2003-04 season if all goes to plan. Jordan will be retired by then, and can assume front office duties full time again.

Jordan has to do some soul searching now, as he figures out how to finish off his playing career. The Wizards desperately need Jordan the player, but not Jordan the executive. But can they have one without the other? Jordan has a special opt out option in his contract for this season. He must decide by July 1st if he is opting in or out.

Anything is Possible. An NBA 2K19 GM Story.

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