WNBA players are not the only ones who are making bold moves into the NBA’s realm.
The same can be said for W executives – the latest of whom being the Fever’s Kelly Krauskopf, who the Pacers announced would assume the role of assistant general manager for the NBA team.
Krauskopf assumes the role after 17 seasons as president and general manager of the Fever. She played her college ball at Texas A&M and even has worked alongside USA Basketball. The hire also makes Krauskopf the first woman in NBA history to ascend to such a role.
Nobody wants to do this just because you’re a girl.
–Kelly Krauskopf per Sports Illustrated
I want to earn it, but that’s the way I was brought up. You earn it, and if you get your chance, you take it. I think that’s a big piece for me. This is not just checking a box. This is really important in terms of what I want to be able to do to help the team, the franchise. And that’s all. That’s it for me.
It’s that simple 🙌🗣️ @FeverPrez
WNBA executive Kelly Krauskopf after being named first female assistant GM in NBA history for the @pacers pic.twitter.com/b407XxeNhr
— WNBA (@WNBA) December 18, 2018
What a day! Thank you all for the kind words of support as I start a new chapter in my career with the @Pacers Here’s to Nancy Leonard and all the other women who have paved the way in @nba front offices and team benches. Basketball is basketball. Let’s get to work!
— Kelly Krauskopf (@FeverPrez) December 18, 2018
One of best in the game! Well deserved! Continue to make your mark “KK”! 🙌🏽👏🏽#Repost @indianafever with get_repost
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OFFICIAL: The Indiana @Pacers have hired Kelly Krauskopf as… https://t.co/QsfjWHUdj0— Pokey Chatman (@pokeychatman) December 18, 2018
The hire appears to be a natural fit for Krauskopf given she had built relationships with Pacers brass – including Donnie Walsh and Larry Bird while in charge with the Fever.
My past experience has shown me that building winning teams and elite level culture is not based on gender – it is based on people and processes. I am excited to join the Pacers as we continue building the best NBA franchise in the business.
–Kelly Krauskopf per Pacers Sports and Entertainment press release
The new role will also call for Krauskopf to relinquish her duties with the Pacers’ e-sports NBA2K gaming franchise. According to a report in the Indianapolis Star, her role will be solely based in the basketball end of the ledger.
Kelly will not have any duties on the business side. It will be how to create a championship culture, how to look at our processes and get better.
–Kevin Pritchard, Pacers President of Basketball Operations per Indianapolis Star
TOGETHER.
The #Pacers welcome new Assistant General Manager Kelly Krauskopf to the team. pic.twitter.com/72pdlDcYkZ
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) December 17, 2018
