The NBA restricted Jerry Colangelo’s reach in an apparent attempt to limit his access and influence over star players.
Rival teams protested about the potential for conflicts and player tampering after Colangelo joined the front office of the Philadelphia 76ers while also serving as managing director of USA Basketball.
Within weeks of Colangelo’s hiring as 76ers chairman of basketball operations in December, the league office informed the NBA Board of Governors of new limitations on Colangelo’s ability to communicate directly to players outside of USA Basketball activities and how much formal impact he can have in the final voting process for national team and Olympic rosters.
Jerry Colangelo relinquished his title of chairman of basketball operations for the 76ers after they hired his son Bryan Colangelo. He will keep a title of special adviser to Philadelphia ownership.
While he still is part of the group that selects the Team USA roster and Olympic player pool, he is no longer allowed to vote for the final national team and Olympic rosters. Colangelo must also make opposing general managers aware of any contact with their players or their players' agents.