New York (AFP)
Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey, who was behind a diplomatic incident between the NBA and China last year for supporting the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong, has resigned, several media reported Thursday.
ESPN and the Houston Chronicle announce the departure of this figure from the Texas franchise, in charge of the Rockets' basketball operations since the 2007-2008 season.
His last season in this post began with a controversy when, in October 2019, he supported Hong Kong's independence from China on Twitter, in the midst of a pro-democracy movement in the territory.
This tweet led China to suspend all partnerships with the North American Basketball League (NBA), and Chinese television to cease broadcasting any NBA game for more than a year, until Game 5 of the finals played. Friday.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta had both backed Daryl Morey despite China's calls for his dismissal and the NBA's financial losses following the case, estimated at 400. M dollars (340 M EUR).
Named executive of the year in 2018, Daryl Morey began discussing a departure with Tilman Fertitta following the elimination of the Rockets in the conference semi-finals against future champions, the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Houston Rockets, who have in their ranks two former best players of the season (MVP), James Harden and Russell Westbrook, remain on eight appearances in a row in the playoffs, the longest current series in the NBA.
The manager, who signed a five-year contract extension in March 2019, will remain adviser to the franchise until she has found a new coach, since the contract of Mike d'Antoni, who arrived on the bench of Houston in 2016, was not renewed after the 2019/2020 season.
Rafael Stone, executive vice president of basketball operations for the franchise, will replace Daryl Morey, ESPN and the Houston Chronicle assure.
© 2020 AFP