Rod Thorn

Hall of Fame executive, former player and coach, architect of the Bulls' Jordan era.

Rodney King Thorn (born May 23, 1941) is an American basketball executive and a former professional player, coach and Olympic Committee Chairman with a career spanning over 50 years. In 2018, Thorn was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Quick Facts

Born: 23 May 1941
Birthplace: Princeton, West Virginia, U.S.
High school: Princeton (Princeton, West Virginia)
College: West Virginia (1960–1963)
Draft round: 1
Draft pick: 2
Drafted by: Baltimore Bullets
Career position: Point guard; shooting guard

Lore & Background

Thorn attracted nationwide attention after a high school basketball career at Princeton High School in Princeton, West Virginia, averaging more than 30 points per game as a senior. He was a three-time all-state selection and a two-time High School All-American. He also excelled in baseball before a head injury sidelined him. The West Virginia State Legislature designated him a state Natural Resource to persuade him to attend West Virginia University, which he did. At WVU, he wore #44, was an All-American guard, and played three seasons of baseball. In the 1963 NCAA tournament, Thorn scored 44 points in a 97–88 loss to St. Joseph's. He was the No. 2 overall pick in the 1963 NBA draft by the Baltimore Bullets. On June 18, 1964, Baltimore traded Thorn, Terry Dischinger, and Don Kojis to the Detroit Pistons for Bob Ferry, Bailey Howell, Les Hunter, Wali Jones, and Don Ohl. Thorn later played for the St. Louis Hawks and Seattle SuperSonics, retiring with averages of 10.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 466 games. He coached the Spirits of St. Louis in the ABA and later became general manager of the Chicago Bulls, famously drafting Michael Jordan with the No. 3 pick in 1984. He served as NBA Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations from 1986 to 2000 and chaired the USA Basketball Men's National Team Selection Committee for the 1992, 1996, and 2000 Olympic teams.

Reader's Guide

Rod Thorn was a player, coach, and executive. As a player, he was an All-Rookie selection in 1964 and averaged a career-high 15.2 points in 1967–68 with the Seattle SuperSonics. As an executive, he was named NBA Executive of the Year in 2002 after the Nets advanced to the NBA Finals. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor in 2018.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Rod Thorn?

Rodney King Thorn, born May 23, 1941, is an American basketball figure whose career as both a professional player and an executive stretched across more than five decades. He played college ball at West Virginia University before suiting up for four different NBA franchises.

What role did Rod Thorn hold in the NBA?

Thorn served as a General Manager and President of Basketball Operations, holding executive positions with the Chicago Bulls, New York Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, and the NBA league office itself.

Where did Rod Thorn grow up and develop his game?

Thorn attended Princeton High School before moving on to West Virginia University, where he honed the skills that led to his four-team NBA playing career.