HE SPENT LAST SEASON SCOUTING
Source says Bickerstaff is leaving Bobcats
He served as team's first coach, GM
RICK BONNELL
rbonnell@charlotteobserver.com
Bernie Bickerstaff, the original architect of the Charlotte Bobcats' basketball operation, is leaving the franchise, the Charlotte Observer has learned.

Bickerstaff served the team's first three seasons as both coach and general manager/president of basketball operations. After the 2006-07 season, he stepped down, taking the title of executive vice president. In that role, Bickerstaff scouted extensively in preparation for the 2008 draft and acted as an adviser to managing partner Michael Jordan.

Bickerstaff could not be reached for comment Thursday, but a source with extensive knowledge of the situation confirmed that Bickerstaff is leaving. It was unclear whether he'll work for the team through next month's draft.

It was initially unclear whether Bickerstaff, 63, is interested in continuing his career in basketball. Reports out of New York have speculated he might be a good fit for the Knicks' front office or coaching staff.

Bickerstaff has spent more than 30 years in the NBA as a coach, assistant coach or player-personnel executive.

His record as a head coach with Seattle, Denver, Washington and Charlotte is 415-517. He successfully turned around Seattle and Denver from struggling franchises to playoff teams.

The Bobcats went 18-64 in 2004-05, their inaugural season, followed by 26-56 and 33-49 in Bickerstaff's final two seasons.

---------------------------------------------------------
He would make a great transition guy, he and Walsh would mesh well.

I like bickerstaff. He handled his situation well with that expansion franchise. He did everything the right way....he's getting away from Jordan i believe. When Jordan pops in things started to change.

whatever is clever man....but donnie is already here. unless the two are boys and get along great what would be the point?

I like Bickerstaff, he did a solid job in Charlotte. Too bad MJ is probably going to destroy that franchise.

Posted by Uptown:

Walsh is 67. We don't need to add 63 year old retread in Bickerstaff. He;s done some good things in the past but its time to get some young creative blood in here that will be here for the long hual. So when Walsh is ready to retire, who is he turning the reigns over to?

Duh, Isiah.

Posted by Uptown:

Walsh is 67. We don't need to add 63 year old retread in Bickerstaff. He;s done some good things in the past but its time to get some young creative blood in here that will be here for the long hual. So when Walsh is ready to retire, who is he turning the reigns over to?

These guys are the perfect age for a team in transition.

Remember when Hubie Brown went to Memphis to change the culture, it was necessary.