Three-time NBA champion player and Phoenix Suns executive James Jones has been appointed as the new executive vice president and head of basketball operations for the NBA, the league announced Wednesday.
Jones, 44, played 14 seasons in the NBA from 2003-17 for the Indiana Pacers, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers. Following retirement, Jones joined the Suns as an executive, rising from vice president of basketball operations, general manager and ultimately president of basketball operations. He was named NBA Basketball Executive of the Year in 2020-21. In May, he transitioned to the role of senior advisor for the Suns.
Jones replaces former executive vice president Joe Dumars, who took over as EVP of basketball operations for the New Orleans Pelicans in April. Jones will report to Byron Spruell, president of league operations.
“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 in a news release. “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.”
In his new role, Jones will oversee the NBA’s basketball operations, including playing rules and interpretations, game policies and procedures and conduct and discipline. He will also collaborate with players, coaches, referees, team executives and others on the state of the game, style of play and playing rules issues, according to the release.
“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.”
Nicknamed “Champ,” Jones won three NBA championships – two with the Heat in 2012 and 2013, and one with the Cavs in 2016 – all as LeBron James’ teammate. The 6-foot-8 wing reached the NBA Finals in each of his final seven seasons and never played for a team that finished a season with a losing record.
While a player, Jones served as secretary-treasurer of the National Basketball Players Association from 2008-17.
“James Jones has quietly become one of the NBA’s most forward-thinking executives, and elevating him to executive VP signals a league still committed to evolution,” said Ethan Sands, Cavs reporter for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. “It’s a win for the game’s future — and for a leader who’s earned the right to help shape it.”
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