Jemi Gertz, an actress best known for her roles in “The Lost Boys” and “Less Than Zero,” appeared as the representatives for the Atlanta Hawks for the 2018 NBA Draft Lottery on Tuesday, surprising many basketball fans who weren’t aware of her involvement in the team.
“Jami Gertz owns the Hawks?!?” one Twitter user wrote. “I honestly don’t know what to do with the news that a half-vampire from The Lost Boys runs an NBA franchise.”
“I hope & trust this lottery will be immediately followed by an 11-part 30 for 30 explaining how Jami Gertz came to own the Atlanta Hawks,” wrote another.
The actress’ billionaire husband, Antony Ressler, is the principal owner of the Hawks after he formed a group with former NBA player Grant Hill to purchase the team in 2015.
“I’m very excited,” Gertz said in an interview with AJC ahead of the draft. “We got one life. Why not be the one who gets to go be a lottery-pick (representative)? We’ve been the owners for three years now, and I feel like this is the first time we’ve taken ownership. With Lloyd and Travis being amazing hires, we are kind of like putting our stamp on it. Hopefully it will go my way (Tuesday) night, and I will continue to put my stamp on it.”
The Hawks came away with the number three pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, which takes place June 21, with the Phoenix Suns nabbing the top pick.
See more of the reactions to Gertz’s appearance below:
Team Owner Jami Gertz is ready for the Draft Lottery tonight! And feeling lucky 🤞 pic.twitter.com/p1TIcE8OW6
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) May 15, 2018
Jami Gertz owns the Hawks?!?
I honestly don’t know what to do with the news that a half-vampire from The Lost Boys runs an NBA franchise
— Brian Hamilton (@_Brian_Hamilton) May 16, 2018
I hope & trust this lottery will be immediately followed by an 11-part 30 for 30 explaining how Jami Gertz came to own the Atlanta Hawks.
— Dave Dameshek (@Dameshek) May 16, 2018
Somehow Jami Gertz and somebody named Courtney Love — but not that one — are involved in this Draft Lottery.
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) May 16, 2018
Not kidding at all: the Atlanta Hawks representative at the NBA Draft Lottery tonight will be Jami Gertz, who is most famous for having a flinty voice and not sparing a square @TylerMaun @hochman pic.twitter.com/6pOS0CnObf
— Nate Kreckman (@NateKreckman) May 15, 2018
Jami Gertz from Less Than Zero is the owner of the Atlanta Hawks?! Honestly had no idea. pic.twitter.com/JDGZrxzypx
— Marc Hochman (@MarcHochman) May 16, 2018
Wait a minute, Jami Gertz owns the @ATLHawks? I’m trying to figure out a joke involving Less Than Zero and chances of getting the No. 1 pick but I suck at math. #NBADraftLottery
— Christy Lemire (@christylemire) May 16, 2018
Jami Gertz reveals the top five on the board for the Hawks with the No. 3 pick. pic.twitter.com/t9h47L3y12
— Scott Stump (@Scott_Stump) May 16, 2018
WAIT, WAIT, WAIT… representing the Hawks… Jami Gertz??????
2018 IS wild.
— Jason Clinkscales (@asportsscribe) May 16, 2018