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Rich Cho
Rich Cho
Rich Cho
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Richard Cho (born August 10, 1965) is an American basketball executive who currently serves as the Vice President of Basketball Strategy of the Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association. Prior to the Grizzlies, Cho was the general manager of the Portland Trail Blazers and the Charlotte Hornets, and the assistant general manager of the Oklahoma City Thunder.[1] Cho was the first Asian-American general manager in NBA history.[2][3]

Key Information

Education and early career

[edit]

Born in Rangoon, Burma to Alan (Aung Aung Cho) and Shirley Cho (Nwe Nwe Yi), Cho immigrated with his family to the United States in 1968.[4][2] They were sponsored by a family in Fort Wayne, Indiana before moving to Federal Way, Washington. Cho's father worked the night shift at a convenience store to support the family.[5] Cho graduated from Decatur High School and went on to Washington State University, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering. He worked as an engineer at Boeing from 1990 to 1995.[1]

Basketball executive

[edit]
See also: List of coaches of Asian heritage in sports leagues in the United States and Canada

In 1995, he was hired as an intern for the Seattle SuperSonics while finishing a J.D. degree from Pepperdine University School of Law. In 1997, he earned the degree and was hired as the SuperSonics' director of basketball affairs.[6] In 2000, he was promoted to assistant general manager.[1] Between 2000 and 2008 the Sonics made the playoffs twice. The high point was the 2004–05 season when the team advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the only time since 1997–98. However it was followed by several more down seasons culminating in a record of 20-62 during the 2007–08 season, the worst in franchise history. In 2008, Cho relocated to Oklahoma City when the league allowed the team under new ownership to leave Seattle. The team was renamed the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Thunder utilized Cho's background in both law and mathematics when negotiating trades, free agent signings, and interpreting the NBA's complex collective bargaining agreement.[3] The Thunder entered the playoffs in 2009–10 with a record of 50–32.

In July 2010, Cho returned to the Pacific Northwest, hired as the ninth general manager of the Portland Trail Blazers, replacing Kevin Pritchard, who was fired the previous month.[1] Cho himself was fired less than a year after being hired.[7] On June 14, 2011, the Charlotte Bobcats hired Cho as their new general manager, promoting previous GM Rod Higgins to president of basketball operations. The Hornets fired Cho on February 20, 2018.[8][9] Cho was hired by the Grizzlies on April 17, 2019.[10]

Personal life

[edit]

Cho and his wife Julie Heintz-Cho have two young daughters.[11] Cho met his wife while studying law at Pepperdine University School of Law.[12]

Cho's father, Alan, is a former journalist.[4] His paternal grandfather, U Cho, was Burma's first education minister, while his maternal grandfather, Thant Gyi, was a former deputy education minister.[4] Cho is the first cousin of Alex Wagner, television anchor and host of Now with Alex Wagner on MSNBC.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Rich Cho

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Richard Cho (born August 10, 1965) is an American basketball executive who serves as the vice president of basketball strategy for the Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association (NBA). With over two decades in NBA front offices, Cho is recognized for his expertise in collective bargaining agreements (CBA), salary cap management, quantitative analysis, and player personnel evaluation. Cho earned a in engineering from and later obtained a from , where he focused on sports law; he is a member of the Washington State . After working for five years as an engineer at , he began his NBA career as an intern with the (now ) in the mid-1990s. He advanced through roles including director of basketball affairs (1997–2000) and vice president of legal affairs (2005–2007) with the Thunder, where he collaborated closely with executive on advanced player-evaluation systems and represented the team at the lottery, securing the second overall pick used on . In 2010, Cho was hired as general manager of the by owner , becoming the first Asian American GM in NBA history, leading the team to a 48–34 record and a playoff appearance in his single season there before being reassigned. He then joined the Charlotte Bobcats (later Hornets) as general manager in 2011, overseeing a franchise rebuild that included drafting ninth overall in 2011 and achieving a 48–34 record with another playoff berth in 2015–16, though the team struggled with a league-worst 7–59 mark in his debut season. Cho was dismissed by the Hornets in February 2018 after seven seasons. Following a period as a consultant, Cho returned to full-time NBA employment in April 2019 as the Grizzlies' vice president of basketball strategy, a role he continues to hold, assisting general manager Zach Kleiman with analytics, cap compliance, and scouting to build a contending roster around stars like Ja Morant. Beyond his professional contributions, Cho maintains a personal interest in culinary exploration through his food blog, Big Time Bites, and competitive pickleball, where he has won international tournaments.

Early life and education

Family background and immigration

Rich Cho was born on August 10, 1965, in Rangoon (now ), , then known as . In 1968, when Cho was three years old, his family to the amid political instability in , initially settling in , before relocating to . As an immigrant family, the Chos adjusted to American life in the Seattle suburb of Federal Way, where Cho's father took a graveyard shift job at a to support them financially. Cho attended Decatur High School in Federal Way, graduating in 1983.

Academic pursuits

Rich Cho earned a in from , graduating around 1989. His engineering education provided a strong analytical foundation that later influenced his analytical approach to sports management, though he initially applied it in the aerospace industry. After several years in engineering, Cho transitioned to law, enrolling at to pursue a degree, which he completed in 1997. His legal studies emphasized sports law, contract negotiations, and dispute resolution, aligning with his growing interest in the business of professional athletics. During his time at Pepperdine, Cho met his future wife, Julie Heintz-Cho, who also earned her JD from the school in 1997. This period marked a pivotal shift in his career trajectory, blending his technical background with legal expertise tailored to the sports industry.

Pre-NBA professional career

Engineering role at Boeing

After earning his engineering degree from , Rich Cho began his professional career at in , where he served as an engineer from 1989 to 1994. During this period, Cho applied his technical expertise to support the company's efforts, contributing to the rigorous problem-solving demands of the industry. His work at Boeing provided a stable foundation in a high-stakes technical environment, emphasizing precision and analytical rigor. In 1994, Cho decided to leave to pursue a at , driven by his longstanding interest in and aspiration to specialize in . This career pivot reflected his growing desire to transition into the sports industry, where he saw opportunities to blend his analytical background with his passion for . The engineering experience at cultivated Cho's quantitative and analytical skills, which he later leveraged in basketball operations, particularly in areas like analysis and strategic decision-making. These foundational abilities enabled him to approach complex problems methodically, a trait that distinguished his executive contributions in the NBA.

Legal career and NBA entry

Cho began his NBA career as an intern with the in 1995 while pursuing his law degree at . After earning his J.D. from Pepperdine in 1997, he transitioned into a full-time role as director of basketball affairs, where he handled administrative and operational aspects of the team's basketball activities from 1997 to 2000. As a member of the Washington State Bar Association with a focus on sports , negotiations, and , Cho contributed to the team's compliance with NBA regulations and management during his early tenure. These responsibilities highlighted his dual background in and operations.

NBA executive career

Roles with

Rich Cho joined the organization, then known as the , in 1997 as director of affairs, later transitioning into legal and executive roles that laid the groundwork for his front-office contributions. In 2000, he was promoted to assistant , a position he held through the franchise's relocation to in 2008. Under new , hired in 2007, Cho was retained and assigned key responsibilities, including oversight of contracts and the , solidifying his role in the team's executive structure around that time. As assistant , Cho played a significant part in the Thunder's early relocation and rebuild efforts, contributing to draft preparations and player acquisitions that shaped the franchise's foundation. During this period, he helped evaluate and select pivotal talents in the , including in 2007 and in 2008, as the team transitioned from and focused on building a young core amid uncertainty. His involvement extended to strategic player moves that supported the rebuild, leveraging the franchise's assets to acquire foundational pieces while navigating the challenges of the move to a new market. Cho's engineering background from influenced the Thunder's adoption of analytics-driven approaches, where he assisted in designing and implementing advanced player-evaluation systems for college and professional scouting. This analytical framework, aligned with Presti's vision, contributed to the team's rapid rise as a Western Conference contender by the late 2000s, emphasizing data-informed decisions in personnel and development that propelled to playoff appearances starting in 2010. His work helped foster a culture of innovation in basketball operations, setting the stage for the Thunder's sustained success. In July 2010, Cho departed the Thunder to pursue a position elsewhere, concluding a decade-long tenure that had been instrumental in the organization's transformation.

Tenure as GM

Rich Cho was appointed of the on July 19, 2010, following the dismissal of his predecessor Kevin Pritchard on draft night earlier that summer. His selection from the Thunder's front office brought a data-driven approach to roster management, informed by his prior experience as an assistant GM. Cho's hiring represented a historic breakthrough, as he became the first Asian American in NBA history, advancing diversity in the league's executive ranks and inspiring underrepresented communities in sports administration. This milestone underscored the NBA's gradual progress toward inclusivity in leadership roles traditionally held by a narrow demographic. During his brief tenure, Cho focused on roster adjustments to address defensive weaknesses and injury concerns, executing key trades without involvement in drafts. On October 23, 2010, he traded guard to the New Orleans Hornets for a protected 2011 first-round pick, clearing minutes for rookie Armon Johnson at backup . His most prominent move came at the trade deadline on February 24, 2011, acquiring versatile forward from the Charlotte Bobcats in exchange for centers and , forward , and two conditional future first-round picks, enhancing Portland's perimeter defense amid absences of stars like and . These transactions contributed to a 48-34 regular-season record, earning the sixth seed in the Western Conference, though the team lost 4–2 to the in the first round of the playoffs. Cho was dismissed on May 23, 2011, after less than 10 months, amid front-office instability following Pritchard's exit and a perceived lack of chemistry with owner and president Larry Miller. The decision stemmed from ongoing team struggles, including persistent injuries that hampered contention, despite Cho's efforts to stabilize the roster.

Leadership at Charlotte Hornets

Rich Cho was hired as the general manager of the Charlotte Bobcats on June 14, 2011, following his brief tenure with the . In this role, he oversaw the franchise's basketball operations during a period of transition, focusing on rebuilding a team that had endured seven consecutive losing seasons prior to his arrival. Cho emphasized analytics-driven decision-making and youth development, aiming to establish a foundation through the draft and strategic trades. Under Cho's leadership, the franchise underwent a significant in May 2014, reverting from the Bobcats name to the Charlotte Hornets, reviving the original identity from 1988 to 2002. This change, approved by the NBA Board of Governors, aligned with owner Michael Jordan's vision and included updated uniforms and logos, while Cho managed the associated operations to maintain continuity during the shift. His draft selections played a pivotal role in the rebuild; in 2011, he selected point guard ninth overall, who emerged as a franchise cornerstone and multiple-time All-Star. The following year, with the second overall pick acquired via the , Cho drafted forward , adding defensive versatility to the young core. In 2013, he chose center fourth overall to bolster the frontcourt. Cho also executed trades to accumulate future assets, such as swapping the 19th pick in 2011 (Tobias Harris) for the 7th pick used on center , while using their own 9th pick on , and later moves that positioned the team for high-value picks in subsequent drafts. Cho's strategies contributed to marked improvements in team performance, transforming the Hornets from perennial lottery dwellers to playoff contenders. The 2013-14 season, still as the Bobcats, ended with a 43-39 record and the Eastern Conference's seventh seed—the franchise's first playoff appearance since 2010—though they were swept by the in the first round. Building on this momentum, the 2015-16 Hornets achieved a 48-34 mark, securing another playoff berth as the sixth seed, but again fell in the first round to the . These successes highlighted Cho's emphasis on player development and roster balance, though the team struggled with consistency in later seasons, finishing below .500 from 2017 onward. His tenure concluded in February 2018 when the Hornets opted not to extend his contract after seven seasons, citing a need for new direction amid stalled progress.

Position with Memphis Grizzlies

In April 2019, Rich Cho was appointed as Vice President of Basketball Strategy for the , a newly created role aimed at bolstering the team's front office during its rebuilding phase. This position followed a period of informal consulting with the organization earlier that season, leveraging Cho's prior experience as a to support the young leadership under General Manager . In this advisory capacity, Cho assists Kleiman—now the Executive of Basketball Operations—with key aspects of operations, including oversight of , administration, , and long-term . His responsibilities emphasize data-driven , such as evaluating player contracts through statistical analysis and , which have contributed to ' efficient roster construction. Cho's role allows him to provide mentorship and expertise without direct authority, focusing on sustainable growth for the franchise. Cho's involvement has aligned with ' post-rebuild success, including consecutive Western Conference Semifinals appearances in 2022 and 2023, and a first-round playoff appearance in 2024 (losing 0–4 to the ), driven by savvy draft selections like in 2020 and the trade for in 2023, where his analytics and scouting input played a supporting role. These achievements reflect the front office's collaborative strategy, with Cho's contributions helping to transform the team from a lottery mainstay into a playoff contender by prioritizing versatile, high-upside talent. As of 2025, Cho continues in this role, entering his seventh season with and underscoring his enduring value in operations through his analytical acumen and operational foresight.

Personal life

Family

Rich Cho is married to Julie Heintz-Cho, whom he met while attending at in the mid-1990s. The couple has two daughters, Miranda (born around 2005) and (born around 2007). The family has relocated multiple times in connection with Cho's NBA career moves, including to in 2008 with the Thunder franchise, to Portland in 2010 upon his appointment as of the Trail Blazers, to Charlotte in 2011 for his role with the Hornets, and to Memphis in 2019 as of strategy for the Grizzlies. During Cho's tenure with the Hornets in Charlotte from 2011 to 2018, Julie Heintz-Cho was actively involved in community and school activities, serving as vice president of planning for the PTA at Providence Spring Elementary School.

Interests and community involvement

Beyond his professional career in , Rich Cho maintains a strong passion for culinary exploration, which he channels through his food blog and presence. In 2017, he launched Big Time Bites, an interactive platform where he posts "scouting reports" on dishes from around the world, drawing from his extensive travels as an NBA executive. The site features over 400 reviews and encourages user submissions, blending his analytical mindset with a love for diverse cuisines, including Asian-inspired dishes like soup. This hobby serves as a creative outlet, with Cho crediting it for helping him balance the demands of his high-pressure job. Cho is also an avid pickleball enthusiast, having achieved competitive success in the sport during a period away from full-time NBA duties. In , he won the Thailand Open in his age group, establishing himself as one of the top players globally for his demographic. More recently, he has transitioned into , serving as an instructor at Bluff City Pickleball in Memphis, where he leads clinics for intermediate players on techniques like serving, returning, and doubles strategy. Cho contributes to growing the local pickleball community through structured programs and open play events. In terms of community involvement, Cho has been vocal in supporting Asian American causes, particularly amid rising anti-Asian hate. As the NBA's first Asian American general manager, he publicly condemned hate crimes and speech in 2021, emphasizing that such behaviors "cannot be allowed to become normalized" and highlighting the need for broader social justice efforts benefiting AAPI communities. His advocacy aligns with initiatives promoting diversity in sports, where he has reflected on the importance of representation to inspire underrepresented groups. Cho has noted that his family, including his wife, supports these pursuits and his hobbies, providing encouragement as he navigates work-life balance.

References

  1. https://www.basketball-reference.com/executives/chori99x.html
  2. https://basketball.realgm.com/staff/Rich-Cho/Summary/656
  3. https://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/18422/nine-things-to-know-about-rich-cho
  4. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/930898/2019/04/17/back-in-an-nba-front-office-rich-cho-will-have-put-his-food-blog-and-pickleball-on-hold/
  5. https://www.nba.com/hornets/gallery/shenzhen-food-adventures-gm-rich-cho
  6. https://www.newyorker.com/sports/sporting-scene/the-nba-general-manager-whos-a-food-blogger-on-the-side
  7. https://www.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbeat/2010/07/new_general_manager_rich_cho_h.html
  8. https://www.salisburypost.com/2014/10/15/wineka-column-charlotte-hornets-gm-fled-with-his-family-from-burma-in-1968/
  9. https://nwasianweekly.com/2010/07/rich-cho-trail-blazes-to-portland/
  10. https://www.federalwaymirror.com/sports/decatur-grad-rich-cho-hired-as-portland-trail-blazers-general-manager/
  11. https://www.pepperdine.edu/magazine/fall-2010/blazing-top.htm
  12. https://www.nba.com/hornets/executive-staff-0
  13. https://law.pepperdine.edu/surf-report/posts/richard-cho-jd-97-speaks-to-pepperdine-sports-and-entertainment-law-society.htm
  14. https://hyphenmagazine.com/blog/2010/09/meet-rich-cho-portlands-newest-general-manager
  15. https://www.nba.com/news/grizzlies-rich-cho-glen-grunwald-release
  16. https://www.npr.org/2010/10/26/130834220/nba-welcomes-first-asian-general-manager
  17. https://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2010/07/cho_knows.html
  18. https://book.bluffcitypickleball.com/pros/rich-cho
  19. https://www.pepperdine.edu/magazine/spring-2021/net-worth.htm
  20. https://www.federalwaymirror.com/sports/decatur-grad-rich-cho-hired-as-the-charlotte-bobcats-new-general-manager/
  21. https://www.espn.ph/nba/news/story?id=2914471
  22. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/nba/thunder/2010/07/20/oklahoma-city-thunder-moving-on-without-rich-cho-and-ron-adams/61225726007/
  23. https://www.nwasianweekly.com/2010/07/rich-cho-%25E2%2580%2598trail-blazes%25E2%2580%2599-to-portland/
  24. https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/20/sports/basketball/20sportsbriefs-cho.html
  25. https://www.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbeat/2010/07/rich_cho_to_be_named_trail_bla.html
  26. https://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2010/10/trail_blazers_trade_jerryd_bay.html
  27. https://www.si.com/more-sports/2011/05/23/rich-choblazers
  28. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/POR/2011.html
  29. https://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/24/sports/basketball/trail-blazers-fire-general-manager.html
  30. https://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2011/05/the_rich_cho_firing_blazers_ow.html
  31. https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=6659387
  32. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/15318392/rich-cho-trek-losing-bobcats-playoff-hornets
  33. https://www.nba.com/news/charlotte-hornets-curtis-polk-wish-list-team-next-gm-rich-cho
  34. https://www.wfae.org/show/charlotte-talks-with-mike-collins/2014-09-09/charlotte-hornets-and-rebranding
  35. https://www.nba.com/news/struggling-charlotte-hornets-fire-general-manager-rich-cho
  36. http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/article157516184.html
  37. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/hornets/2014/09/25/cho-hornets-capable-of-deeper-run-in-playoffs/16226425/
  38. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/22513045/rich-cho-charlotte-hornets-gm-mitch-kupchak-eyed-front-office-role
  39. https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/253428/Rich-Cho-To-Oversee-Analytics-Salary-Cap-Administration-For-Grizzlies
  40. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2876737-the-grizz-got-next
  41. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MEM/2024.html
  42. https://s3.grizzliesapp.com/assets/media_guides/24-25/MG_2425_PlayoffMediaGuide.pdf
  43. https://www.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbeat/2010/07/rich_chos_recipe_for_improving.html
  44. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/10598296
  45. https://www.si.com/eats/2017/07/29/rich-cho-charlotte-hornets-gm-big-time-bites-food-blog
  46. http://bigtimebites.com/
  47. https://book.bluffcitypickleball.com/
  48. https://www.nba.com/news/grizzlies-vp-rich-cho-speaks-out-against-attacks-on-asian-americans
  49. https://sports.yahoo.com/grizzlies-vp-rich-cho-on-anti-asian-attacks-we-cannot-let-this-behavior-ever-become-normalized-233146108.html
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