Atlanta Hawks deny dumping Wilcox

WASHINGTON: The Atlanta Hawks denied a report saying they had parted ways with general manager Wes Wilcox on Wednesday but revealed a review of the organisation was under way following their first round playoff exit.

The Hawks were ousted by Washington last week in the opening round of the NBA playoffs after finishing fifth overall in the Eastern Conference this season at 43-39.

ESPN had reported, citing an unnamed source, that the team had dumped Wilcox, who was promoted from assistant general manager in June 2015 and guided the Hawks to a 48-34 showing in 2015-16 and a second-round playoff exit.

“Hawks leadership is undergoing a period of evaluation and looking at how basketball operations works best,” the team said in a statement released on Twitter.

“There are no changes to report at this time and any reports indicating otherwise are inaccurate.”

Wilcox, a former player personnel director for the Cleveland Cavaliers, had been disciplined by the Hawks earlier this season for a racial remark at an event for season-ticket holders. AFP