Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Tim Connelly

Tim Connelly (born 1976) is an American executive serving as the president of basketball operations for the of the (NBA). A native of , , Connelly grew up in the city and developed an early interest in sports, running a neighborhood snowball stand with his siblings at age 11 as his first entrepreneurial venture. He graduated from in 1999 and entered the NBA without prior connections by using a guidebook titled How to Get a Job in Sports to send cold application letters to teams. Connelly began his professional career as an unpaid intern in the ' basketball operations department in 1996, while still in college, and remained with the organization from 1996 to 2010, advancing through roles including video coordinator, scout, and ultimately director of player personnel, where he managed scouting, salary cap analysis, and player evaluation. From 2010 to 2013, he served as assistant general manager for the New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans), contributing to front-office decision-making during a period of roster rebuilding. In July 2013, Connelly joined the Denver Nuggets as general manager and executive vice president of basketball operations, a role in which he played a pivotal part in the team's post-Carmelo Anthony reconstruction. He was promoted to president of basketball operations in 2017, overseeing nine seasons that included drafting key talents such as Nikola Jokić (41st overall in 2014, who became a three-time MVP), Jamal Murray (seventh overall in 2016), Michael Porter Jr. (14th overall in 2018), and Monte Morris (29th overall in 2017). Under his leadership, the Nuggets secured two Northwest Division titles (2018–19 and 2019–20), advanced to the Western Conference Finals in 2020, and established a reputation as one of the league's most analytically driven and player-development-focused franchises. Connelly finished second in NBA Executive of the Year voting in 2019, recognizing his talent evaluation and deal-making acumen. In May 2022, Connelly left Denver to become the Timberwolves' president of basketball operations on a five-year, $40 million contract that included ownership equity, marking one of the richest deals for an NBA executive at the time. He quickly reshaped the roster by orchestrating a blockbuster trade for All-Star center Rudy Gobert from the Utah Jazz in July 2022, bolstering Minnesota's defense and setting the stage for contention. Connelly's tenure has emphasized building a winning culture, player development, and continuity, leading the Timberwolves to a franchise-record 56 wins in the 2023–24 season and a Western Conference Finals appearance—their deepest playoff run since 2004. In the 2024 offseason, he facilitated the trade of Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, further refining the core around Anthony Edwards while prioritizing defensive identity and long-term sustainability. As of 2025, Connelly continues to guide the organization through its evolving ownership transition and competitive pursuits, including involvement in community initiatives like the Jr. Wolves Dream Team program. Married to Negah Connelly, he has two children and relocated his family to the Twin Cities upon joining Minnesota.

Early life

Family and upbringing

Tim Connelly was born on May 15, 1976, in , . He grew up in a large family as the second oldest of five brothers—Joe, Pat, Dan, and Kevin—and two sisters, Kelly and Meggie, in the Roland Park neighborhood of . From an early age, Connelly was immersed in basketball through constant family games, including frequent two-on-two matchups among the brothers on local courts and in their backyard. This exposure was amplified by Baltimore's vibrant sports culture, where the city's proximity to college powerhouses like the University of and the NBA's Washington Bullets fostered widespread enthusiasm for the game. Connelly's initial passion for basketball developed from attending Maryland Terrapins games and Bullets contests with his family, as well as lively discussions about strategies and players during meals and drives. His brothers later built NBA careers in scouting, coaching, and front-office roles, extending the family's deep basketball ties.

Education

Connelly attended Towson Catholic High School in Towson, Maryland, where he participated in basketball but saw limited action on the varsity team. Following high school, he enrolled at Fordham University in New York before transferring to the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., for his junior year. At Catholic University, a Division III institution, Connelly shifted his focus away from playing basketball toward professional aspirations in the sport. He graduated from Catholic University in 1999. During his college years, Connelly engaged in basketball-related extracurriculars by contacting NBA general managers to inquire about opportunities for high school talent, demonstrating early initiative in the field.

Executive career

Washington Wizards (1996–2010)

Tim Connelly began his professional career in the NBA in 1996 as a basketball operations intern with the Washington Bullets—the franchise that rebranded as the Wizards in 1997—at the age of 19. Serving as an unpaid intern in the team's scouting department under executives like Chuck Douglas and Wes Unseld, he supported early talent identification efforts during his two years in the role. This entry-level position marked Connelly's immersion into professional basketball operations, building on his local roots in Baltimore where he developed a passion for the sport. Following his graduation from Catholic University in 1999, Connelly was promoted to assistant video coordinator, a full-time role that involved breaking down game footage for and strategic purposes. In this capacity, he contributed to video analysis that aided in player evaluation and game preparation, honing skills critical to front-office decision-making. By 2000, he advanced to a scouting position, where his primary responsibilities included evaluating collegiate prospects across the and scouting talent in European professional leagues. Connelly's rapid progression continued in 2004 when, at age 27, he was elevated to of player personnel, overseeing the department's core functions. This role encompassed leading scouting initiatives, managing player evaluations, preparing for the , and handling database and logistics to support personnel decisions. Through these positions, Connelly spent over a decade with the , establishing a foundation in talent assessment that became integral to his executive trajectory by 2010.

New Orleans Hornets (2010–2013)

In August 2010, Tim Connelly was hired as assistant general manager of the New Orleans Hornets, reporting to general manager , after spending 14 years with the in various and personnel roles. His primary responsibilities included overseeing operations, negotiating trades, managing player contracts, and evaluating prospects for the . Connelly's work focused on building a foundational infrastructure to support the franchise's operational needs during a period of instability, as the NBA had assumed control of the team earlier that year amid ownership challenges. The Hornets entered Connelly's tenure amid ongoing relocation discussions and a franchise overhaul, with the league exploring potential moves for the team before its eventual sale to in 2012 and as the Pelicans in 2013. Following the December 2011 trade of star Chris Paul to the , the organization shifted toward rebuilding with an emphasis on youth and capital, a process Connelly contributed to through his personnel evaluations. This era marked a transitional phase, with the team posting a 21-45 record in the 2011-12 season, setting the stage for lottery success. Connelly played a key role in the front office's draft preparations during this rebuilding effort, notably in 2012 when the Hornets secured the No. 1 overall pick via the lottery and selected forward from , a cornerstone acquisition who averaged 13.5 points and 8.2 rebounds as a rookie while earning All-Rookie First Team honors. That year, the team also drafted guard tenth overall from and forward in the second round (46th pick) from , bolstering the young core around Davis. In the 2011 draft, Connelly's scouting efforts supported the selection of center Josh Harrellson in the second round (45th pick), though he was traded on draft night to the . These moves exemplified the assistant GM's involvement in identifying high-upside talent to facilitate long-term roster reconstruction.

Denver Nuggets (2013–2022)

Tim Connelly joined the Denver Nuggets as executive vice president of basketball operations and general manager on June 17, 2013, succeeding Masai Ujiri who had departed for the Toronto Raptors. In this role, Connelly focused on rebuilding the roster through strategic drafting and player development, emphasizing international talent and undervalued selections to transform a team that had missed the playoffs in the prior season. Under Connelly's leadership, the Nuggets made several pivotal draft choices that formed the core of their contending roster. In the 2014 NBA Draft, they selected Serbian center Nikola Jokić with the 41st overall pick in the second round, a move that proved instrumental despite the risks of drafting an unproven international prospect who remained overseas for two more years. The team added Kentucky guard Jamal Murray with the 7th overall pick in 2016, pairing him effectively with Jokić to create a dynamic backcourt duo. In 2018, Connelly's staff selected Michael Porter Jr. 14th overall, betting on the forward's high upside despite injury concerns from his college season at Missouri. These selections, combined with signings like veteran point guard Jamal Murray's extension and supporting pieces such as Aaron Gordon, laid the groundwork for sustained success. Connelly was promoted to president of basketball operations on June 15, 2017, allowing him to oversee broader strategic decisions while Artūras Karnišovas assumed the general manager role. Key trades during his tenure included the March 25, 2021, acquisition of forward Aaron Gordon and Gary Clark from the Orlando Magic in exchange for Gary Harris, R.J. Hampton, and a 2025 first-round pick, bolstering the team's frontcourt depth and athleticism around Jokić. The Nuggets returned to the playoffs in 2019 after an eight-year absence, finishing with a 54-28 record and the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. In the 2019-20 season, amid the NBA bubble, they advanced to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history, defeating the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers in dramatic seven-game series before falling to the Los Angeles Lakers. Connelly finished second in NBA Executive of the Year voting for the 2018-19 season and received additional recognition for the 2019-20 campaign's achievements. The roster Connelly assembled culminated in the Nuggets' 2023 NBA Championship victory over the in , marking the franchise's first title and validating his long-term vision of building around , , and Porter Jr. with complementary veterans like Gordon. Connelly departed the organization on May 23, 2022, agreeing to a five-year as of basketball operations with the , leaving behind a legacy of patience and precision in roster construction.

Minnesota Timberwolves (2022–present)

Tim Connelly was hired as president of basketball operations for the on May 23, 2022, signing a five-year contract worth $40 million that also included ownership equity in the franchise. In this role, Connelly oversaw a comprehensive roster overhaul aimed at transforming the Timberwolves from a middling playoff team into a Western Conference contender. One of Connelly's first major moves was orchestrating a blockbuster trade for three-time Defensive Player of the Year from the on July 6, 2022, which sent , , , , and multiple draft picks to in exchange. This acquisition bolstered Minnesota's defense and interior presence, pairing Gobert with All-Star to anchor the frontcourt. Continuing the rebuild, Connelly facilitated the trade of Towns to the on October 3, 2024, acquiring , , and a first-round pick in return, which allowed for greater roster flexibility and salary cap management. He also prioritized retaining homegrown talent, such as extending backup center to a five-year, $125 million contract on June 27, 2025, recognizing Reid's Sixth Man of the Year contributions and versatility off the bench. These maneuvers shifted the team's composition toward a balanced, defense-first identity while fostering contention. Under Connelly's leadership, the Timberwolves achieved significant success, advancing to the Western Conference Finals in after defeating the and in the , though they fell to the in five games. This marked Minnesota's deepest postseason run since 2004 and highlighted the fruits of Connelly's roster strategy. On August 29, 2025, Connelly exercised his option to remain with the team for the final two years of his contract, signaling long-term commitment amid ongoing ownership transitions. Connelly emphasized building a strong , player development, and a family-oriented environment within the front office, drawing on his prior experience to prioritize continuity and relational dynamics over short-term gains. His efforts were recognized when Business named him the 2024 for revitalizing the franchise and elevating its competitive standing in the league.

Personal life

Immediate family

Tim Connelly is married to Negah Connelly, with whom he has three children. The couple, wed for 11 years as of February 2025, relocated from to the suburbs in 2022 alongside Connelly's career move to the . His wife gave birth to their third child following the move.

Professional family connections

Tim Connelly is the second oldest of five brothers from , all of whom have pursued careers in , with four currently working in the NBA and the family collectively forming a notable network within the league. His oldest brother, Joe Connelly, has been involved in NBA player development and scouting for over a decade, most recently promoted to of player personnel for the in September 2025 after serving as their director of scouting since 2022. Previously, Joe worked in player development for the and scouting for the . Pat Connelly, the third oldest, is a longtime NBA executive serving as assistant general manager for the since 2022, following a promotion from vice president of player personnel; he previously held the same assistant GM role with the . Dan Connelly, the fourth brother, has held various NBA scouting positions, including advance scout for the in 2013 and scout for the as of 2020. The youngest brother, , entered operations by launching an NCAA-approved high school ing service in 2013 and continues to work as a in . This extensive family involvement in , rooted in their upbringing where they frequently played together and supported each other's entry into the league through unpaid internships and shared opportunities, has shaped Tim Connelly's career , emphasizing relentless , networking, and a collaborative approach to talent evaluation within the NBA ecosystem.

References

  1. [1]
    Minnesota Timberwolves Name Tim Connelly as President of ... - NBA
    May 23, 2022 · Connelly, 45, comes to Minnesota after spending nine years with the Denver Nuggets, the last five as President of Basketball Operations where he ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  2. [2]
    'Make yourself invaluable': Tim Connelly's journey from intern to ...
    May 23, 2022 · Growing up in Baltimore, Connelly would go to about half of the Orioles' home games a season and was also a fan of Maryland basketball and the ...Missing: early life
  3. [3]
    Nuggets name Tim Connelly executive VP of basketball ops - NBA
    Jun 17, 2013 · A native of Baltimore, Connelly began working with the Wizards as an intern in the basketball operations department in 1996 and joined the team ...Missing: early life
  4. [4]
    Nuggets hire executive Tim Connelly - ESPN
    Jun 17, 2013 · Before joining the Pelicans, Connelly spent a decade with the Washington Wizards, where he was in charge of scouting, salary cap and player ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  5. [5]
    Denver Nuggets' Tim Connelly comes in second in Executive of the ...
    Jun 24, 2019 · Tim Connelly finished second in the NBA Executive of the Year voting. A fantastic finish for Connelly, who has led the Nuggets to among the best teams in the ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  6. [6]
    Sources: Minnesota Timberwolves hire executive Tim Connelly to 5 ...
    May 23, 2022 · He grew up in Baltimore and spent the first several years of his front-office career with Washington. Connelly has spent nine years building the ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  7. [7]
    Utah Jazz trading star center Rudy Gobert to Minnesota ... - ESPN
    Jul 1, 2022 · Timberwolves president Tim Connelly, who was recently hired away from the Denver Nuggets after building that franchise into a perennial ...Missing: achievements | Show results with:achievements
  8. [8]
    NBA Power Rankings, way-too-early edition: Our post-Finals look at ...
    Jun 17, 2024 · Minnesota Timberwolves 2023-24 record: 56-26. Result: Eliminated in ... Tim Connelly, who reupped his contract for another year. What's ...
  9. [9]
    The Athletic: Julius Randle opens up on Knicks-Wolves trade ... - NBA
    Sep 26, 2025 · The Timberwolves big man recounts the moments after he was traded by the Knicks and why he's at home in Minnesota.
  10. [10]
    2025 Jr. Wolves Dream Team: Timberwolves Give Young Athletes a ...
    Feb 11, 2025 · “This is one of the cooler events I am lucky enough to be involved with,” said Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly. ...
  11. [11]
    Tim Connelly NBA & ABA Basketball Executive Record
    Timothy Martin Connelly ; Born: May 15, 1976 in Baltimore, Maryland ; High School: Towson Catholic in Towson, Maryland ; College: Catholic University of America.
  12. [12]
    NBA family tree from Baltimore's Connelly brothers is growing
    Jun 22, 2013 · “Just growing up, we played a lot of two-on-two. It would be Pat and my younger brother Kevin against Tim and myself,” Dan Connelly recalled. “ ...
  13. [13]
    Meet the Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations Tim ...
    Feb 23, 2025 · His brother Joe stands with hands in pockets. That panoply of “great relationships” is what makes Tim Connelly extraordinary. And making those ...Missing: Pat Dan Kevin
  14. [14]
    Mary Connelly Obituary (2021) - Towson, MD - Baltimore Sun - Legacy
    Sep 5, 2021 · ... Connelly, Tim Connelly and his wife Negah, Pat Connelly, Dan Connelly, Kevin Connelly, and Meggie Connelly; cherished grandmother of Mikes ...
  15. [15]
    Who Is Timberwolves President Tim Connelly? All About His Salary ...
    May 26, 2025 · Pat was previously an assistant GM for the Phoenix Suns, Joe works in player development for the Washington Wizards, Dan scouts for the Utah ...
  16. [16]
    ‘Make yourself invaluable’: Tim Connelly’s journey from intern to NBA executive
    ### Summary of Tim Connelly's Early Life, Education, Family Background, and NBA Entry
  17. [17]
    Joe Connelly: From benchwarmer to basketball globetrotter
    Oct 18, 2020 · From growing up in Baltimore as one of five hoops-mad brothers, to working as a teacher while also coaching the likes of a teenage Carmelo ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  18. [18]
    Wizards Name Connelly Assistant Director of Player Personnel - NBA
    Sep 8, 2004 · His brother Joe coached prep and AAU basketball in Baltimore for several years while his brother Pat is a graduate assistant to the basketball ...Missing: siblings | Show results with:siblings
  19. [19]
    Hornets Hire Tim Connelly and Gerald Madkins - NBA
    Aug 11, 2010 · Connelly's recent roles at the Wizards as Director of Player Personnel including head scouting, salary cap and database management, player ...
  20. [20]
    https://www.denverstiffs.com/2013/6/17/4438086/tim-connelly-draft-resume-denver-nuggets-wizards-pelicans-hornets
  21. [21]
    Denver Nuggets introduce Tim Connelly as new GM
    Jun 20, 2013 · The 36-year-old Connelly comes to the Nuggets from New Orleans, where he served as assistant general manager under Dell Demps. He replaces NBA ...
  22. [22]
    Discovering Nikola Jokić: How the Denver Nuggets found the ... - NBA
    Jun 20, 2019 · When Nikola Jokić was announced as the 41st pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Serbian big man was fast asleep. · The drafting of Nikola Jokić was ...
  23. [23]
    Nikola Jokic key to Nuggets' construction as NBA Finals contender
    May 30, 2023 · Former Denver Nuggets executive Tim Connelly and his staff drafted Serbian center Nikola Jokic with the 41st overall pick in the second round of the 2014 draft.
  24. [24]
    Welcome To Denver: Jamal Murray | Denver Nuggets - NBA
    Jun 24, 2016 · At 6'4” and 207 pounds, the 19-year-old Murray entered the 2016 NBA Draft after playing at University of Kentucky for just one year.
  25. [25]
    Denver Nuggets' pick at No. 7 -- Jamal Murray, Kentucky guard - ESPN
    Jun 23, 2016 · The Denver Nuggets selected Kentucky point guard Jamal Murray with the No. 7 overall pick of the 2016 NBA draft on Thursday night.
  26. [26]
    Michael Porter Jr. selected by Denver Nuggets with No. 14 overall ...
    Jun 21, 2018 · ... drafted 14th overall by the Denver Nuggets during the 2018 NBA Draft ... Tim Connelly picked up the phone Thursday to talk to Michael Porter Jr.
  27. [27]
    Denver Nuggets Sign Rookie Michael Porter Jr. - NBA
    Jul 3, 2018 · The Denver Nuggets have signed rookie F Michael Porter Jr. to a multi-year contract, President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly announced today.
  28. [28]
    Denver Nuggets Promote Tim Connelly and Arturas Karnisovas - NBA
    Jun 15, 2017 · The Baltimore native spent the early part of his career scouting talent around the world and developing relationships with people in every ...Missing: life | Show results with:life
  29. [29]
    Nuggets promote executives Arturas Karnisovas and Tim Connelly
    Jun 14, 2017 · Tim Connelly, who had been the team's GM, will take on a new role of president of basketball operations for the Nuggets, the source confirmed to ...
  30. [30]
    Denver Nuggets acquire Aaron Gordon and Gary Clark from ... - NBA
    Mar 25, 2021 · The Denver Nuggets have acquired forwards Aaron Gordon and Gary Clark from Orlando in exchange for guards Gary Harris and RJ Hampton and a future first round ...
  31. [31]
    Nuggets president Tim Connelly on landing Aaron Gordon, JaVale ...
    Mar 26, 2021 · Nuggets president of basketball operations Tim Connelly met with the media on Friday a day after Denver's conference-rattling trades for Aaron Gordon and ...Missing: acquire | Show results with:acquire
  32. [32]
    2018-19 Denver Nuggets Roster and Stats
    Record: 54-28, Finished 2nd in NBA Western Conference ; Coach: Michael Malone (54-28) ; Executive: Tim Connelly ; PTS/G: 110.7 (20th of 30) Opp PTS/G: 106.7 (6th ...
  33. [33]
    2019-20 Denver Nuggets Roster and Stats
    Record: 46-27, Finished 3rd in NBA Western Conference. Coach: Michael Malone (46-27). Executive: Tim Connelly. PTS/G: 111.3 (19th of 30) Opp PTS/G: 109.2 ...
  34. [34]
    NBA playoffs Game 7: How the Nuggets put the Clippers on ... - ESPN
    Sep 15, 2020 · ... Tim Connelly, Denver's president of basketball operations. "We gave everything we had," Jokic told each person. He promised they would be ...
  35. [35]
    Lawrence Frank wins 2019-20 NBA Basketball Executive of the Year ...
    Oct 8, 2020 · Lawrence Frank wins 2019-20 NBA Basketball Executive of the Year Award ; Tim Connelly (Denver), 1, 0, 2, 7 ; Danny Ainge (Boston), 1, 0, 1, 6.
  36. [36]
    How Tim Connelly built the Nuggets and the Timberwolves - 9News
    May 9, 2024 · Over his nine seasons as general manager, the Nuggets found the three-time league MVP Jokic in the second round of the 2014 draft, made good on ...
  37. [37]
    President Tim Connelly leaving Nuggets for Minnesota's top job
    May 23, 2022 · Tim Connelly, Denver's president of basketball operations since 2013, is leaving to take the same position in Minnesota, the Timberwolves announced Monday ...
  38. [38]
    Behind the scenes of Tim Connelly's mega deal to the Timberwolves
    May 26, 2022 · The Timberwolves signed Denver Nuggets president Tim Connelly to a major deal that will make him one of the most well-compensated executives ...
  39. [39]
    Jazz trade Rudy Gobert to Wolves in multi-player deal | NBA.com
    Jul 6, 2022 · All-NBA center Rudy Gobert is on the move after being traded by the Utah Jazz to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the teams announced today.
  40. [40]
    Knicks acquire Karl-Anthony Towns in 3-team trade | NBA.com
    Oct 3, 2024 · Karl-Anthony Towns joined the Knicks on Wednesday after the Minnesota Timberwolves sent their four-time All-Star to New York in a three-team trade.
  41. [41]
    Naz Reid re-signs with Timberwolves | NBA.com
    Jun 27, 2025 · Reid declined his player option for next season, deciding to re-sign on a reported five-year, $125 million contract, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
  42. [42]
    2024 Playoffs: West Finals | Timberwolves (3) vs. Mavericks (5) - NBA
    Stellar Doncic named West Finals MVP. Luka Doncic dominates the Wolves, raising the Magic Johnson Western Conference Finals MVP award after a 4-1 series win.Stats · Your Privacy Choices · Final · Summary
  43. [43]
    Executive Tim Connelly opts into final 2 years of contract with ...
    Aug 29, 2025 · In three seasons, Connelly has been one of the busiest team presidents in the league, working feverishly to remake the Wolves roster.
  44. [44]
    Marc Lore wants Timberwolves to be value driven. Tim Connelly ...
    Jun 1, 2022 · “What you can help develop and help add credence and definition to is your culture and the organization and the wins and losses,” Connelly said.
  45. [45]
    2024 Person of the Year: The Timberwolves' Tim Connelly
    Dec 14, 2024 · Connelly, 48, is a basketball lifer. He was an intern for the Washington Bullets at 19. He ran the basketball side of the Denver Nuggets—a team ...Missing: education | Show results with:education
  46. [46]
    Timberwolves' Tim Connelly settles in and discusses Anthony ...
    Sep 21, 2023 · He had just moved into his home in the Twin Cities suburbs with his pregnant wife and two children after nine years in Denver and was still ...
  47. [47]
    Joe Connelly, Minnesota Timberwolves, Vice President of ... - RealGM
    Vice President of Player Personnel, Minnesota Timberwolves, Since Sep 10, 2025 (Promoted). ; Director of Scouting, Minnesota Timberwolves, From 2022-2023 (Hired) ...
  48. [48]
    Timberwolves Announce Numerous Staff Promotions, Additions
    Sep 11, 2025 · The Timberwolves have promoted Joe Connelly to vice president of player personnel and added Chris Hines as an assistant coach, according to ...
  49. [49]
    Pat Connelly, Chicago Bulls, Assistant General Manager - RealGM
    Assistant General Manager, Chicago Bulls, Since 2022-2023 (Promoted). Vice President of Player Personnel, Chicago Bulls, From May 6, 2020 (Hired) to 2022 ...
  50. [50]
    Nuggets Scout Dan Connelly, Bulls Reportedly in Talks for Front ...
    Apr 10, 2020 · In Connelly, Karnisovas is targeting a former assistant general manager with the Phoenix Suns and a current scout for the Nuggets, where ...