at that point, bass moved into the spurs' front office, assuming the role of general manager. he would, over the years with the team, assume coaching duties on an interim basis as needed—in 1980, 1984, and 1992. he finished his coaching career with a 311-300 record. at the conclusion of the 1989/90 season, bass won the nba executive of the year award. bass would then take a general manager position with the charlotte hornets in 1995; in that capacity, he would win the award again in 1997. bass retired in 2004 (by which time the hornets had relocated to new orleans.