| Washington Wizards | |
|---|---|
| Position | President |
| League | NBA |
| Personal information | |
| Born | Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
| Career information | |
| College | Miami University |
Michael Winger (born 1980) is an American basketball executive who is the president ofMonumental Basketball, which manages theWashington Wizards of theNBA, theWashington Mystics of theWNBA, and theCapital City Go-Go of theNBA G-League. He is a former executive of theOklahoma City Thunder (2010–2017) and general manager of theLos Angeles Clippers (2017–2023).
Winger attendedMiami University and theUniversity of Toledo College of Law. As a visiting student at the University of Maryland'sFrancis King Carey School of Law his last year of school, Winger served as an apprentice to sports agentRonald M. Shapiro.[1] Winger supported Ron in the launch of SNI's (Shapiro Negotiations Institute) Sports Division and helped with research for Ron's book,Bullies, Tyrants, & Impossible People: How to Beat Them Without Joining Them.
In 2005 and following law school and his work with Shapiro, Winger became the director of basketball operations and team counsel for theCleveland Cavaliers underDanny Ferry, who was general manager at the time. During his time with the Cavaliers, the team reached theEastern Conference Finals twice, winning one of those series to advance to theNBA Finals in 2007. Winger worked withLeBron James,Shaquille O'Neal,Mo Williams, andBen Wallace while with the Cavaliers. In 2010, Winger became the assistant general manager and team counsel for theOklahoma City Thunder under GMSam Presti.[2]
During his tenure with theOklahoma City Thunder, the team reached fourWestern Conference Finals which resulted in oneNBA Finals appearance in 2012. Winger worked with three futureNBA MVPs inKevin Durant,James Harden, andRussell Westbrook. Winger had many different responsibilities while with the Thunder, including selecting players in the draft, executing trades, and retaining and signing existing players and free agents. Some notable draft selections, includeMitch McGary,Reggie Jackson,Steven Adams,Andre Roberson, andCameron Payne.
On August 23, 2017, Winger was hired as the general manager of theLos Angeles Clippers. The team reached the 2021 Western Conference Finals and achieved a winning record in every season under his tenure.[3]
On May 24, 2023, Winger was hired as president of Monumental Basketball, a division ofMonumental Sports & Entertainment that manages the NBA'sWashington Wizards as well as theWashington Mystics of theWNBA and theCapital City Go-Go of theNBA G-League.[4][5]
| |
| Franchise | |
| Arenas | |
| Personnel |
|
| G League affiliate | |
| Retired numbers | |
| NBA championships | |
| Culture and lore | |
| Media | |
| |
| Franchise | |
| Arenas |
|
| Head coaches | |
| Administration | |
| All-Stars | |
| Culture & lore | |
| Seasons | |
| Playoff appearances | |
| WNBA Championships | |
| Media | |
