WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- NBA Vice President of Basketball Operations and former NBA All-Star Shareef Abdur-Rahim has been named President of the NBA G League, NBA announced on Tuesday.
Abdur-Rahim will replace Malcolm Turner, who will step down on Jan. 11 next year to become the Athletics Director at Vanderbilt University.
In his new role, Abdur-Rahim will be responsible for all aspects of the NBA G League's business and basketball operations, including the implementation of the newly formed professional path, ongoing testing of experimental rules and league-wide expansion efforts.
"Shareef's unique experiences as a player, team executive and member of the NBA's Basketball Operations department make him a fantastic fit to be the next President of the NBA G League," said NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum. "He is well-prepared to build on the tremendous progress that the NBA G League has made under Malcolm, who deftly oversaw a pivotal period of expansion and transition. We thank Malcolm for his lasting contributions to the NBA and the NBA G League and wish him the best at Vanderbilt."
The 42-year-old Abdur-Rahim also worked five years with the Sacramento Kings, serving as an assistant general manager and assistant coach.
As a player, Abdur-Rahim averaged 18.1 points per game in 12 NBA seasons. The third overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft, he was named an NBA All-Star with the Atlanta Hawks in the 2001-02 season. Abdur-Rahim also earned a men's basketball gold medal with Team USA at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
"I am thrilled to have this extraordinary opportunity with the NBA G League," said Abdur-Rahim. "I've seen firsthand the NBA G League's remarkable growth under Malcolm's leadership, and I look forward to working with the players, teams and my colleagues to take the league to even greater heights."
