Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
VP Simon isn’t going anywhere
Teams keep knocking for the Heat exec, but he’s staying
MIAMI — For the second time in two years, the Miami Heat have retained personnel executive Adam Simon amid outside overtures.
The Heat confirmed Monday that Simon, the team’s vice president of basketball operations and assistant general manager, will remain with the franchise, continuing to work alongside Heat president Pat Riley and general manager Andy Elisburg. Simon had been linked to interest from the Chicago Bulls, who are seeking a new head of their basketball operation.
Simon in March 2018 was a candidate for the then-vacant job of general manager under Michael Jordan with the Charlotte Hornets. That job eventually went to former Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak.
Simon previously had been linked to front-office vacancies with the Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets, with the Heat following up those overtures with promotions.
Simon, 46, is completing his 25th season with the Heat and his first in his role as a vice president, a designation that also has him assisting with the operation of the team’s G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
According to the Heat’s definition of his role, “Simon assists Pat Riley and Andy
Elisburg in all aspects of player personnel. During his time as Assistant GM, Simon has played an integral role in Miami drafting Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, Justise Winslow, Josh Richardson and KZ Okpala and acquiring undrafted players such as Derrick Jones, Jr., Duncan Robinson, Kendrick Nunn and Hassan Whiteside.”
In addition to his responsibilities with the Heat and Skyforce, Simon was a member of the selection committee for the USA Senior National Team at the 2017 AmeriCup and for the 2019 World Cup qualifying teams.
Simon has been with the Heat since starting in 1995 as an intern in the video room under current coach Erik Spoelstra.
According to NBC Sports Chicago, the Bulls’ focus has turned to Denver Nuggets general manager Arturas Karnisovas and Utah Jazz general manager Justin Zanik.