Rich Cho is copying the team-building ideology of the Thunder.

“We're trying to build it similar to how we built it in Seattle/OKC," said Cho, who was the assistant general manager in Seattle from 2000-07 and at Oklahoma City from 2007-09.

Cho has overhauled the Bobcats' scouting system, putting together "the most advanced database I've seen," he says. "It's an eyes, ears and numbers approach. It was something we were going to do in Portland, but didn't have enough time."

Michael Jordan has given Cho full autonomy to make roster decisions.

"It's been terrific to work with Michael," Cho said. "He is very supportive. He has taken a step back, but we always keep him informed. When he is in town, we always talk."