NBA Names James Jones League Executive VP, Head Of Basketball Operations

Former NBA sharpshooter and Phoenix Suns general manager James Jones has a new mission. That would be replacing Joe Dumars as the league’s new executive vice president, head of basketball operations.

Jones spent the previous eight seasons running the Suns. Meanwhile, Dumars left the league office to become head of basketball operations with the New Orleans Pelicans.

The NBA announced the Jones move in a press release. He will report to president of league operations Byron Spruell.

“James is widely respected across the NBA for being an inspiring leader and the consummate teammate during his more than 20 years as a highly successful player and team executive,” Spruell said.  “With his exceptional relationship-building skills and deep basketball expertise, he is well suited to guide our efforts to shape the current and future direction of the NBA game.”

Jones was GM of the Suns when they reached the NBA Finals in 2021, losing to the Milwaukee Bucks. 

“I’m thrilled and honored to take on the responsibility of leading the Basketball Operations department,” Jones said.  “This is an exciting opportunity to pour my passion for the game into a new role and collaborate with so many talented professionals on driving the continued success and growth of the NBA.”

James won three championships as a reserve forward during his playing days, joining LeBron James with both the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers to make eight straight trips to the Finals. He was replaced as Phoenix head of basketball operations by Brian Gregory at the end of the season.