The Brooklyn Nets just made a big move in their front office, and it’s got fans buzzing!
Meet the New Assistant GM: BJ Johnson
So, the Nets have decided to bump BJ Johnson up to assistant general manager. If youโve been following the team, you know this guy has been around since 2016, right after Sean Marks took over as GM. Johnsonโs journey with the Nets started as a Player Development Coordinator, then he climbed the ladder to Senior Director of College Scouting & Player Evaluation.
From USA Basketball to Brooklyn: BJ’s Impressive Resume
Before joining the Nets, Johnson spent a whopping 11 years with USA Basketball. Yeah, you read that rightโ11 years! He was the assistant director for the men’s national team and had his hands in developing the Menโs Junior National Team program. Plus, did you know he went to Villanova? Graduated in 2002 with a degree in computer science and a minor in Chinese. Talk about a well-rounded guy!
BJ Johnson has been promoted to assistant general manager.
More front office additions and promotions โ
โ Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets)
Draft Guru: Claxton and Wilson’s Secret Weapon
One of the coolest things about BJ? He’s the guy behind some of Brooklyn’s smart draft picks. Remember Nic Claxton in 2019 and Jalen Wilson in 2023? Yep, Johnson played a huge role in bringing those talents to Brooklyn. Sean Marks even gave him props, saying, โBJ runs our draft and has done so for the last several years. [He] did a heck of a job in evaluating and finding Nic and being able to draft Nic where we did.โ
I think it’s safe to say that Johnsonโs got an eye for talent. And now, heโs going to lead all of the Netsโ scouting efforts. Talk about a promotion well-earned!
More Moves in the Nets’ Front Office
But wait, there’s more! The Nets have been busy this offseason with other promotions too. Makar Gevorkian is now the VP of basketball operations alignment & strategic planning, and Glenn DuPaul has stepped up as VP of basketball analytics. Itโs like a front office shake-up party over there.
In April, Marks hinted that Johnson might get a promotion, especially after Jeff Peterson and Ryan Gisriel left for the Hornets. Peterson had been the assistant GM since 2019, while Gisriel had a long history with the team since starting as an intern back in 2013-14. Marks said, โI think some of our guys have done a terrific job,โ and it looks like heโs ready to trust the current team to take on more responsibility.
So, what do you think about these moves? Will BJ Johnsonโs promotion be the game-changer the Nets need? Or is it just another shuffle in the front office? Letโs hear your thoughts!