Detroit Pistons executive Josh Bartelstein will be hired the next CEO of the Phoenix Suns, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Sources tell Wojnarowski that new Suns owner Mat Ishbia targeted Bartelstein as someone he could work closely with to help rebuild the organization’s image after the scandals surrounding former owner Robert Sarver. Woj adds that Ishbia and Bartelstein will operate jointly to oversee both the business and basketball divisions of the team.
James Jones is expected to retain his positions as president of basketball operations and general manager while reporting directly to Ishbia.
Bartelstein will replace former CEO Jason Rowley, who was alleged by several team employees to have been part of the toxic environment which resulted in Sarver’s one-year suspension and subsequent decision to sell the team.
The 33-year-old Bartelstein has spent the last seven years in Detroit, most recently receiving a promotion to assistant general manager in September. Wojnarowski notes that he was involved in several high-profile projects during that time, including the Pistons’ move to a downtown arena.
Like Ishbia, Bartelstein was a walk-on player in college, serving as a team captain at Michigan during the 2012-13 season. His father is Mark Bartelstein, CEO of Priority Sports and Entertainment and one of the NBA’s most powerful agents.
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