Rod Higgins Steps Down as Hornets' President of Basketball Operations

The Charlotte Hornets’ front office will look drastically different for the 2014-15 campaign, as NBA.com officially reported that Rod Higgins stepped down as the team’s President of Basketball Operations, effective immediately.

Michael Jordan, who is the Chairman of the team, released a statement, via the NBA.com report:

"

I would like to thank Rod for his seven years of dedication to this organization. Rod has been a consummate professional throughout his time with the team. Thanks to his hard work and commitment, we have an improved roster and we are poised for success in the future. Rod was of great help to me as I navigated my first four years as majority owner of this franchise. I wish him all the best.

"

There isn’t a lot of fallout right now around the decision as far as moves in the front office are concerned because Jordan is still in place and Rich Cho will remain as general manager to take over responsibility for the basketball operations.

Still, the timing of this is very interesting with the draft right around the corner, as Russ Owens of WCNC Charlotte pointed out:

The Hornets have control of the Nos. 9 and 24 picks in a loaded draft, so it will be interesting to see who they select after this front office move.

Chuck Burton/Associated Press

Even with this decision, Charlotte seems to be heading in the right direction on the floor. Those assets in this draft are critical as either trade chips or picks to actually use because there is so much talent available, and we are talking about a team that already surprised this season by making the postseason.

Al Jefferson and Kemba Walker make up a formidable one-two punch, and whichever players they add will certainly help them compete in a wide-open Eastern Conference behind the Miami Heat. Walker is still improving and Jefferson is one of the most underrated players in the league, so if another person is brought into this front office, there are some solid pieces to work with going forward.