CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 16 (UPI) -- The expansion Charlotte Bobcats of the NBA have hired Bernie Bickerstaff as their coach and general manager.
The Charlotte Observer reported that Bickerstaff, who spent parts of 10 seasons as an NBA coach, was the choice of Executive Vice President Ed Tapscott.
"Bernie Bickerstaff has the ideal qualities and experience necessary to lead the Bobcats' expansion effort," Tapscott said at a news conference Thursday. "His combined role will ensure that our organization carries out a well-coordinated and consistent basketball operations approach."
Bickerstaff, 59, has experience in both jobs. He served as GM of the Denver Nuggets from 1990 to 1997 and compiled a 338-348 record as coach of the Nuggets, Seattle, and Washington. He was working in the Bobcats' organization as general manager of the WNBA's Charlotte Sting.
"It's important that once we obtain success that we can maintain that success," Bickerstaff said. "Our mantra can be nothing is worthwhile without labor, without patience, and without disappointment."
The Bobcats, owned by billionaire Robert Johnson, will begin play in the 2004-05 season. They also named Karl Hicks assistant general manager and Gary Brokaw director of player personnel.
