James Jones is the NBA executive vice president, head of basketball operations, which follows a lengthy playing career and front-office experience.
Jones, 44, won three NBA titles as a player and was named executive of the year in 2021 as a member of the Phoenix Suns’ front office.
“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,” NBA president of league operations Byron 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.”
Over 14 NBA seasons from 2003-17, Jones averaged 5.2 points with 1.8 rebounds in 709 games (93 starts) with five different teams, including six seasons with the Miami Heat.
Jones was on the Heat’s championship teams in 2012 and 2013, while also winning a title with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016. He was named the Suns’ director of player personnel in 2017 and was promoted to general manager in 2019. He was the team’s senior advisor since May.
Jones will replace Joe Dumars. He left the league office to become the executive vice president of the New Orleans Pelicans in April.
“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,” Jones said.
Jones’ role with the NBA will include rules changes and implementation and overseeing discipline for conduct violations.