Breaking Down the Top Young Minds in the NBA
The NBA is known for its young talent on the court, but behind the scenes, a new wave of young executives, coaches, and officials are making waves in the league. The Athletic recently released its NBA 40 under 40 list for the second time, showcasing the up-and-coming stars of the basketball world.
Take a look at some of the fresh faces making a name for themselves:
Dotun Akinwale, 34, Charlotte Hornets assistant general manager
Akinwale, with nine seasons of experience in Atlanta, brings his talent to the Hornets’ braintrust under new leadership as they aim to end an eight-year playoff drought.
Brock Aller, 39, New York Knicks VP of basketball and strategic planning
Aller is credited with helping resurrect the Knicks with shrewd moves, earning praise as a “diabolical genius” in cap management.
Ariana Andonian, 29, Memphis Grizzlies director of player personnel
Andonian’s attention to detail and scouting acumen have propelled her through the ranks in Memphis after earning her MBA and starting her career with the Rockets.
Josh Bartelstein, 35, Phoenix Suns chief executive officer
Bartelstein’s impact on the Suns’ business side has been groundbreaking, marking the team as the first to switch local broadcasts to an over-the-air channel.
Kirk Berger, 34, National Basketball Players Association counsel
Berger’s encyclopedic knowledge of contracts and CBA has made him a go-to resource for player agents, keeping him in demand across the league.
These are just a few of the young talents pushing the NBA to new heights. Stay tuned to see how their careers continue to flourish and impact the future of basketball.
