The Sonic Went Down To Georgia: Hawks Hire Rick Sund As GM

The Hawks yesterday named former Sonics GM Rick Sund to the same position. Sund was with the Sonics from '01-07, and has worked in the Mavericks' and Pistons' front offices during his career (Hawks). In Atlanta, Sekou Smith writes Sund has "pressing issues that need to be addressed" with the Hawks, including the "fate of a coaching staff with contracts that expire June 30" and restricted free agents Fs Josh Smith and Josh Childress. Sund's "analytical approach is one of the things that struck Hawks ownership." Atlanta Spirit co-Owner Michael Gearon Jr.: "We're talking about a guy that is able to be rational and objective in how he analyzes where we are and what we need to do to get better" (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 5/29). Gearon, when asked of Sund's role with the team, said, "I look forward to all questions related to the franchise and personnel being directed to him." In Atlanta, Jeff Schultz writes Sund is a "solid, even if short of spectacular," hire. Sund has "had success in the NBA, even if most of that success has not been recent" (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 5/29).

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