Basketball

Hornets President Rod Higgins resigns 2 weeks before draft

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Hornets announced overnight that Rod Higgins has stepped down as the team's President of Basketball Operations, effective immediately.

In a press release that was distributed past midnight Friday, the team said Higgins had left the organization, two weeks before the Hornets make the ninth, 24th and 45th picks in the NBA draft.

In a written statement, Charlotte Hornets Chairman Michael Jordan said, "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."

Rich Cho will remain in his capacity as General Manager and assume responsibility for the team's basketball operations. He will report to Jordan and Vice Chairman Curtis Polk.