NEW YORK – The NBA has announced that James Jones, a former three-time NBA champion and winner of the NBA Executive of the Year Award, has been named Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations. He will report directly to Byron Spruell, who is the President of League Operations.
James Jones has been named the new Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations for the NBA. In this role, he will be responsible for handling everything related to how NBA games are played. This includes creating and adjusting rules, making sure games run smoothly, and handling player and coach behavior. He’ll work closely with players, coaches, referees, and team leaders to keep the game exciting and fair. Jones will also help come up with new ideas to improve how the game is played. He replaces Joe Dumars, who left in April to work with the New Orleans Pelicans.
NBA executive Byron Spruell praised Jones, calling him a respected leader and great teammate during his time as a player and team executive. He said Jones has strong basketball knowledge and great people skills, making him the right person to help guide the future of the NBA.
Jones said he is excited and honored to take on this new role. He’s looking forward to using his love for the game to help the NBA grow and succeed.
Before joining the NBA office, Jones spent eight seasons working with the Phoenix Suns. He started as Vice President of Basketball Operations in 2017, became General Manager in 2019, and was later promoted to President of Basketball Operations and GM in 2022. In May 2025, he became a Senior Advisor for the team.
Under Jones’ leadership, the Suns made the playoffs four years in a row. In 2020–21, the team had a 51-21 record and made it to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1993. That year, Jones was named NBA Executive of the Year. The next season, the Suns won a team-record 64 games and reached the Western Conference Semifinals.
Jones moved into an executive role right after finishing a 14-year NBA playing career. He played for the Pacers, Suns, Trail Blazers, Heat, and Cavaliers, appearing in 709 regular games and 148 playoff games. He was known as “Champ” for good reason—he won two titles with Miami and one with Cleveland and reached the NBA Finals seven seasons in a row. He was also never on a team with a losing season.
Jones was picked by the Pacers in the 2003 NBA Draft and became known for his accurate three-point shooting. He finished his career with a 40.1% three-point shooting percentage and even won the NBA 3-Point Contest in 2011.
Outside the court, Jones also served as Secretary-Treasurer of the National Basketball Players Association for nearly a decade. A native of Miami, he studied finance at the University of Miami, where he played college basketball. He was inducted into the school’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.
James Jones is married to Destiny and they have three children—daughters Jadynn and Jodie, and a son, James.
FAQ
Who is James Jones?
James Jones is a former NBA player and executive. He won three NBA championships during his playing career and most recently served as the General Manager and President of Basketball Operations for the Phoenix Suns.
What is his new role in the NBA?
James Jones has been appointed as the NBA Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations. He will now oversee key aspects of the league’s basketball policies and operations.
What will James Jones be responsible for in this position?
In his new role, Jones will manage basketball strategy, game rules, player development programs, and overall league operations related to the sport. He’ll also be involved in shaping future basketball initiatives.
Why was James Jones chosen for this role?
Jones is widely respected for his leadership, experience as a player, and success as a team executive. His deep understanding of the game from both sides made him a strong candidate for this high-level NBA position.