Magic Johnson's decision to hire Rob Pelinka as general manager without conducting an interview process came as a disappointment to many qualified African-American executives employed with other teams.
“It’s always done in private and way in advance,” one high-ranking black NBA team executive said. “We got no shot once the news breaks.”
Another high-ranking black NBA team executive said: “I was surprised.”
Pelinka is best known as the longtime agent for Kobe Bryant.
“Los Angeles has always been about hype,” one high-ranking black NBA team executive said. “Kobe obviously had influence in getting Pelinka pushed through the door.”
“I heard that this was coming,” another high-ranking black NBA team executive said. “He has a real connection with Kobe.”
Of the eight high-ranking African-American NBA team executives The Undefeated spoke to, none expressed any malicious intent toward Johnson or Pelinka. They did all say, however, that they would have appreciated an opportunity to interview for the job.
“We just want to compete. Guys with practical basketball experience, that’s what it’s about. Don’t give me anything. We just want to compete,” one high-ranking black NBA team executive said.
“Nothing surprises me in this business,” one high-ranking black NBA team executive said. “Analytic guys getting jobs. Coaches being named executives. Now it’s the agents’ turn. Everyone except the people who have the practical basketball experience are getting shots.”