When Jason Levien entered a suite in FedExForum Sunday afternoon, he took a seat to the right of new Grizzlies owner Robert Pera.

The scene was more than symbolic.

Levien is indeed Pera’s right-hand man, or more formally, the CEO and managing partner of Memphis Basketball LLC. There no longer is any question as to who will take charge of drafts, trades or other important matters regarding every aspect of the Grizzlies.

Pera has entrusted an attorney turned NBA player agent turned team executive turned sports investor to oversee day-to-day operations.

“He’s the best of anyone to do it,” Pera said. “Jason and I will make the final decisions.”

via Ronald Tillery of The Commercial Appeal