Son of Hornets owner takes on a bigger role with team
By Darnell Mayberry
Published: September 11, 2006
Hornets owner George Shinn wants to keep his franchise in the family and has pegged his youngest son, Chad Shinn, as his successor. Now entering his third season as an official employee of the Hornets, Chad Shinn is taking on an larger role as executive officer of the board.
Advertisement
In an interview with The Oklahoman, Chad Shinn shared his thoughts on how he’s being groomed to become an NBA owner, the viability of major league sports in Oklahoma and why he lobbied to hold the team’s regular season home opener and the first week of training camp in New Orleans.
What kind of time frame has your father given you as far as when he wants you to take over as team owner?
I wouldn’t say he’s given me a time frame. He’s going to be doing this as long as he can. There’s no time frame at all. He’s just wanting me to get as involved as I can and get comfortable. I’m fortunate to have him as a role model. I’ve watched him through the years since the inception of the team, and I’ve just been fortunate to have that.
You seemed to be much more involved as the season wore on last year and into the offseason. How much was the process accelerated this past season for you?
With Jeff Bower (controlling) the basketball side of things and acquiring all the new guys we got, it definitely got me more interested in the whole thing. The team we have now, I think is the best team we’ve ever had. Just watching that side gets me motivated, and I’m just trying to ease into the business side.
How would you describe your learning process thus far in terms of what it takes to become a successful owner?
I’ve used the experience that I’ve had, working with such great guys like (senior vice president of special projects) Sam Russo and (team general manager) Jeff Bower, guys that have had a lot of experience. I started in 2004-05 as the assistant to the general manager and working with the equipment manager. Then I spent 2005-06 as a special assistant to the owner and president and working with my dad closely there. Those experiences have helped me in the business and basketball side of things.
What type of teacher is George Shinn?
He’s very motivational. He grew up with a rags-to-riches story, and it’s just amazing to me. He thinks anything can be done if you put your mind to it and you believe it. He’s always inspired us to go after whatever we want, so I’m very lucky.
In what ways do you anticipate putting your stamp on the franchise when you do take over for him in the future?
I want to win a championship, and with the moves we made this past year, we’ve done a good job in getting closer to that. The ultimate goal is to (preserve) Hornets basketball. Just to have a good team and win games.
What have you learned about the NBA as a business from the team’s temporary relocation from New Orleans to Oklahoma City?
I’ve been to a few of the league meetings, and it’s impressive. (NBA commissioner) David Stern has a lot of really good guys working underneath him. And I’ve been nothing but impressed. It’s an honor to be able to work with these people.
Your father said it was your idea to move the first portion of training camp and the regular season opener to New Orleans. How did you come up with that idea, and what led you to explore it as an option?
We were in New Orleans for the draft party, and just seeing the work that’s going into rebuilding that city, I just thought it would be great for the city to have something to look forward to. And with training camp, none of the guys, besides David West, have played a full season there, and we’ve got six crucial games we’ve got to play there. So moving the first week of training camp there only made sense to build camaraderie with the guys and get them familiar with the city they’re going to be playing in.
What other future moves, if any, can we expect from the front office this season as far as reconnecting the Hornets to their fans in New Orleans?
None right now, not that I can see.
How do you view Oklahoma City as an NBA market, and what do you expect from the city this season with the Hornets specifically and beyond in its bid to attract a major-league franchise?
I think they’ve done a great job so far. They’ve supported us, and they’ve proved that they’re a major-league city. I think they’ve done all they need to do, and if they show up this year like they did last year, it’s inevitable. They’re going to get a major league franchise, and they deserve one.
Fourth of July Page
Share your July 4th photos with NewsOK and view other stories and videos.
More Info
THE CHAD SHINN FILE Age: 26
Birthplace: Charlotte, N.C.
Job title: Executive Officer of the Board.
Previous positions: Special assistant to the owner and president (2005-06). Assistant to the general manager and equipment manager (2004-05).
Education: Graduated from Texas Tech University; Attended community college in Greenville, N.C.; Graduated from high school in Charlotte, N.C.
Siblings: Shinn is the youngest of three children. Brother Chris is a musician, and sister Susan is a clothing designer and retailer.
Prev
