As a family of billionaires, the Resslers toyed with the idea of owning a team. In 2015, their wish came true as Tony Ressler bought the Atlanta Hawks.
His wife? She became a principal owner.
Their son? Well, let’s see what role Nicholas Simon Ressler plays in the family business.
Nick Ressler: Quick Bio
Let’s start with the basics.
- Birthdate: February 17, 1995
- Parents: Jami Gertz and Anthony (Tony) Ressler
- Siblings: Oliver and Theo
- Wife: Gabby Rose Ressler
- Current Residence: Atlanta, Georgia
- Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Georgetown University
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Nick Ressler’s Journey With the Atlanta Hawks
Ressler first joined the Hawks staff in 2018. He was only a coordinator of basketball operations back then. Within a few years, he was the director of the whole basketball operations sector.
In 2023, Nick Ressler got promoted to the position of principal advisor to the governor (yes, that’s none other than his father).
However, the promotion that the young executive got the most heat for came in 2024. That’s when he was named vice president of strategic planning and “alternate” governor all in one fell swoop.
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3 Ways Nick Ressler’s Hawks Promotion Has Backfired
Here are three common issues that I noticed:
1. He’s Been Considered a “Nepo Baby”
You might have already predicted this, but the main issue Hawks fans seem to have with Nick Ressler is that he’s Tony Ressler’s son.
To be fair, he isn’t the only sports executive to be called a nepo baby.
2. People Blame Him for the Growing Internal Issues
Some believe that Nick Ressler’s new position (along with his relationship to the team owner) gives him more decision-making power. And they think this decision-making power of his might be the reason why Schlenk was exiled.
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Rumor has it that he wouldn’t even allow the GM to trade Trae Young. It’s also said that his outsized voice was the driving force behind the Murray trade.
3. His Father Had to Come to His Defense (And Got Criticised for It, Too)
Tony Ressler has made it clear that he didn’t pour billions of dollars into the business only to delegate this authority to anyone, including his son.
He maintains that Nick Ressler’s input is just one of the many he considers before making decisions. The governor also denied that anyone on the team is uncomfortable with his son’s increasing influence.
However, some fans criticized Tony Ressler’s response. They thought it meant the man was eager to fire his son’s critics.
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Final Thoughts
Clint Capela and Trae Young did show up at Nicholas Ressler’s wedding. The pictures made headlines, with reporters saying that the Hawks are a tight-knit family.
Do you believe all is good in the Atlanta Hawks? Or do you smell trouble?
Featured image source: Google
