Bickerstaff moves into new role with Bobcats

Bernie Bickerstaff accepted a new role with the Charlotte Bobcats on Friday, a move that could lead part-owner Michael Jordan to hire a general manager.

In a news conference to introduce Sam Vincent as coach, Jordan announced that Bickerstaff, the team’s coach and GM since its inception three years ago, will become an executive vice president.

“I felt the necessary need to keep Bernie involved,” Jordan said. “He’ll be my right-hand man. We’ve had a great relationship over the last year or so.”

Jordan said they might hire a GM to help with personnel issues. Charlotte has yet to replace assistant GM Karl Hicks, who took a job this spring with the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Vincent, who has never been an NBA head coach, indicated he might hire an experienced assistant to help the transition. One possibility is former Lakers coach Del Harris, whose contract as a Dallas assistant runs out this summer.

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Rashard Lewis’ agent said that the SuperSonics’ longest-tenured player and second-leading scorer had officially opted out of the final two years of his Seattle contract. That makes him eligible for free agency beginning July 1 but doesn’t necessarily end his career with Seattle, the only team that can offer him a six-year contract.

Lewis, who turns 28 in August, left $21 million behind in his SuperSonics contract.

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Brandon Rush, who led Kansas in scoring last year, has withdrawn from NBA draft consideration and will play his junior season at the school.

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Georgia Tech guard Javaris Crittenton will remain in the NBA draft, deciding to turn pro after one season with the Yellow Jackets.