NEW ORLEANS - The Hornets' disappointing season wasn't the reason general manager Bob Bass retired Wednesday. It just made his decision easier.
"I coached two years in high school, 17 years in college, then spent 36 years in the ABA and NBA, that is a hell of a long time any way you look at it," the Texas native said. "It's time to take a permanent leave and go back to Texas and enjoy whatever I have left."
The Hornets were eliminated from the playoffs Tuesday night by the Heat, losing Game 7 85-77. Bass' retirement is expected to be the first of many changes for the Hornets, who move next season to the tougher Western Conference.
The Hornets never had a losing season during Bass' nine-year tenure and made the playoffs seven times. Bass will help the team through the draft next month and have a hand in picking the next general manager.
Bass was instrumental in hiring coach Tim Floyd before this season. The Hornets were riddled with injuries to key players, hurt by inconsistent shooting and hampered by defensive lapses. They started fast, but finished 41-41.
Jamal Mashburn, the team's leading scorer in the 2002-2003 season, played only 19 games and missed the playoffs. As the playoffs began, Mashburn said the Hornets had mishandled his injury, prompting Bass to banish him from the team.
Now the Hornets will have to figure out what to do with Mashburn, who has a season left on his contract, plus a player's option for two more. If they can't trade him, they may have to buy him out and ask the league for a salary-cap exception.
MAGIC JOHNSON AWARD: Pacers forward Jermaine O'Neal won the award, which is voted on by the Professional Basketball Writers Association, for his cooperation with the media. O'Neal, who finished third in MVP voting this week, has earned a reputation as a readily accessible star who gives thoughtful responses to questions.
SIXERS: Former Charlotte coach Dick Harter was hired as an assistant.
