Reclamation projects if you will. But you can relate to each other. Jones knew what he was doing! 21+ (18+ NH/WY). What direction management goes will. 4: Potent bench could be Denvers edge, Suns-Nuggets preview, Pt. He was also never on a team with a losing record. 8/6/21 Re-signed Cameron Payne to a partially-guaranteed three-year $19 million contract via Early Bird Rights. While some of them were initially scoffed at or questioned, he kept the big picture in mind. 8/6/21 Traded Jevon Carter and DayRon Sharpe (2021-29th) to the Brooklyn Nets for Landry Shamet. He gave the Suns some much-needed big man production when Dario Saric missed time and Damian Jones was unplayable. Imagine Jones adding to that bill, only to see his team fail to make the playoffs or get out of the first round. C: Deandre Ayton, JaVale McGee, Frank Kaminsky, Dario Saric (injured). Im thrilled to add an individual with Jeffs experience and basketball acumen to our front office, said Jones. Jones joined the Suns as the vice president of basketball operations in 2017 before being named interim general manager and eventually the permanent general manager in 2019. Thats the dream, but we know its a long road, Jones said of competing for a title. The finances of NFL, NHL and NBA are largely controlled by a salary cap in each sport, with some flexibility in the NBA. [38], On August 5, 2014, Jones signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Prior to becoming assistant general manager, Bukstein spent three seasons as the Suns director of basketball administration. Will he quietly reject trades until that player is included, just to get a little more satisfaction on the way out the door? Johnson has also become a valuable scorer off the bench. Please enter a valid email and try again. When you step into this job, you never really know what itll be like, you hear stories about what it looks like, what the profession looks like, and the arc of a career in the front office or in an organization.. 6/29/22 Qualifying offer deadlines for Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges and Landry Shamet. [2] He started all seven of the team's playoff games that season. Cash considerations have been a long-time fan favorite in Phoenix, so it was tough to see them go in the other direction this time. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Interest-Based Ads | EU Privacy Rights | Cookie Policy | Manage Preferences. A veteran executive with over 30 years of basketball experience at the NBA and collegiate levels, Bower was most recently general manager of the Detroit Pistons from 2014-2018. First overpaid for Bridges. Marc J. Spears is the senior NBA writer for Andscape. [6][2] He saw increased playing time during the season as a result of a brawl between the Pacers and Detroit Pistons on November 19, 2004, that caused small forward Ron Artest to be suspended for the remainder of the season and shooting guard Stephen Jackson to be suspended 30 games. Paul was an NBA MVP candidate this season. Now, Jones is not batting 1.000. He has continued his impressive run and continues to gain the trust of the front office and coaching staff. The NBA salary cap is expected to be $123.6 million for the 2022-23 season, a significant jump from last season. [62] Jones looked to bolster team depth in the delayed 2020 NBA draft period by selecting Jalen Smith at pick 10 and picking up Jae Crowder, E'Twaun Moore, Langston Galloway, and Damian Jones in the shortened 2020 free agency period in the hopes of ending their decade-long playoff drought. Overall, Jones appeared in 709 career regular-season games and 148 career playoff games over 14 seasons with Indiana (2003-2005), Phoenix (2005-2007), Portland (2007-08), Miami (2008-2014) and Cleveland (2014-2017). [55], During the 2019 off-season, Jones orchestrated changes that appeared questionable on the surface, such as firing head coach Igor Kokokov after only one season[56] (albeit hiring Monty Williams soon afterward),[57] executing multiple trades in the 2019 NBA draft, including T. J. Warren to the Indiana Pacers for cash considerations, trading down from the 6th pick to pick up both Dario ari and the 11th draft pick (Cameron Johnson) from the Minnesota Timberwolves, and trading a late 2020 first round pick to the Boston Celtics for Aron Baynes and the 24th pick (Ty Jerome),[58] and even picking up Ricky Rubio in free agency via trading multiple picks and players with the Memphis Grizzlies to free up more salary. We have been through so many different things with the CBA negotiations, so it was easy to talk to him about me wanting to be here. [2] His aunt, Hope Jones, and his cousin, Shelnita Jackson, played basketball at Barry University. Now there are five Black general manager-head coach duos in the NBA, including Clevelands Koby Altman and J.B. Bickerstaff, the Houston Rockets Rafael Stone and Stephen Silas, the Detroit Pistons Troy Weaver and Dwane Casey, and Dallas Mavericks newcomers Nico Harrison and Jason Kidd. The Suns were thoroughly outmatched by the Nuggets in Game 1 on Saturday. He was an assistant coach for the Hornets in 2003-04 and director of player personnel in 2004-05 before taking over as general manager again in 2005. James Andrew Jones (born October 4, 1980) is an American professional basketball executive and former player. My responsibility is always motivating me to be better, Jones said in December 2019 to The Undefeated. His expertise in creating and executing a plan will be invaluable as we build our team moving forward., Under James leadership and with the addition of Jeff, our front office is diverse and complimentary in their backgrounds and skillsets, yet entirely aligned in their selfless and hard-working approach, added Sarver. Its the style of play everyone wants to be a part of and the way the sport is meant to be played. Jones, who played 14 years in the NBA including two seasons with the Phoenix Suns, has the respect of his players and coaches around him. If you are looking to bet on Phoenix Suns, make sure to check on our guide about sports betting in Arizona. 2022 Owe a first-rounder (top-12 protected in 2022, top-10 in 2023, top-eight in 2024, unprotected in 2025) to the Oklahoma City Thunder (Chris Paul). A member of the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame, Jones starred collegiately for the Hurricanes while earning a degree in finance. [38] He was also one of twelve players nominated for the TwymanStokes Teammate of the Year Award, finishing tenth place in the voting. Note: Teams often adjust their depth chart throughout the season, sometimes game by game. After not reaching a rookie scale extension agreement with center Deandre Ayton on Monday, Suns general manager James Jones tells Sam Amick of The Athletic that the team's discussions with the former No. Warren went on to average 26.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per game for Indiana in the NBA bubble last season. [40][43] The Cavaliers won the Eastern Conference championship for the second year in a row and went on to win the 2016 NBA championship, becoming the first team in history to win the championship after being down 31 in the Finals, as Jones won his third title in five years. [2], Jones's uncle, Ricky Gutirrez, played in Major League Baseball. And he likely had a heavy influence on the No. 2: Bookers defense could face healthy Murray. I try to value the experience with my coaches, my players, my current coaches and my current players, because theyre the ones that are playing this game.. Phoenix Suns general manager James Jones wins 2020-21 NBA Executive of 2019-20 0 share . We sometimes use affiliate links in our content, when clicking on those we might receive a commission at no extra cost to you. He used to be able to dunk on you, but he hasnt been able to in years and his knees still hurt. [35][36] In 201314, the Heat made the 2014 NBA Finals as they recorded their fourth straight Finals appearance. What if Sarver doesnt like a player on the current team? 8/10/21 Signed Elfrid Payton to a $2,239,544 minimum contract. Got Monty Williams as coach percent of your roster taking up just 14.2% of your cap space. And Mikal Bridges, who scored 27 points in Game 2, has played well in his starting small forward role. On April 11, 2019, the Suns removed the interim tag from Jones' title, naming him the team's general manager, with Bukstein remaining as assistant general manager. Jones told The Undefeated that the Sarver investigation didnt give me pause in accepting the contract extension with the Suns. Eligibility restrictions apply. [13][14] He missed 12 games from February 4 to 27 with a knee injury. I got credit for their works. Its not an accident: Suns general manager James Jones has made most of opportunity. James Jones NBA Salary | HoopsHype There were signs . During his time with the Pistons he revamped the teams roster, leading to a breakthrough season in 2015-16 when the Pistons went 44-38 (their first time finishing over .500 since 2007-08) and qualified for the 2016 NBA Playoffs (their first postseason appearance since 2009). He was a DNP-CD 15 times. Call (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelpline.ma.org (MA), Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). He began his NBA career with the Hornets organization in 1995 as an advance scout then was promoted to director of scouting/assistant coach after two years. Looking back, Jones described his honor as a team award and explained why he preferred to be low-key about it. They helped us get the program rolling. Bower later dealt a package centered on Harris to acquire Blake Griffin, who this season led the Pistons back to the Playoffs as he returned to the NBA All-Star Game for the first time since 2015. James Jones, Suns general manager (Matt Layman/Arizona Sports) . He finished third place in the 2012 Three-Point Shootout in Orlando. [1] He was also named the Class 6A Player of the Year and the Miami Herald Boys' Basketball Player of the Year. send. Jones has to clear any significant trades interim governor Sam Garvin, outgoing governor Robert Sarver and potentially incoming governors, the Ishbia brothers. And to have the success that were having, its so much fun. Projection for 2022-23 (cap $119 million): Up to $16 million in cap space, none with Mikal Bridges or Deandre Ayton. He is one of the main editors of Basketballinsiders. Oh and theres one more potential wrinkle on the ol luxury tax bill: A final sale could easily include terms where the outgoing owners foot any luxury tax bill incurred before the new owners take over. It did not work with Jalen Smith. The goal is to get to the Finals and give yourself a shot. Void in ONT. See terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Jones played college basketball for the Miami Hurricanes of the University of Miami, where he was a three-year starter and finished his career averaging 11 points per game. The Denver Nuggets' bench has rounded into form this postseason and could be a tough matchup for the Phoenix Suns. Suns stars Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton have said it means a lot to them to have an African American coach and general manager who have also played in the league. If you notice a discrepancy, please notify Basketball Insiders Senior Writer Eric Pincus. How the Suns lost Game 1, and what that means for the rest of the series, The odds are now well against the Phoenix Suns in this series, though a few tweaks and better effort could make a world of difference, Suns drop to 3rd best title odds as Warriors advance to second round. The Suns have been up for sale since before the 2022-23 season started and, while a sale is pending the team will remain officially on the market until after the February 9 midseason trade deadline. [2] He also runs a camp called Crew 22 Training Camp. Jones will oversee all basketball operations for the team with Bower and Bukstein reporting to him. Suns GM James Jones Discusses Future of Deandre Ayton. Imagine not only giving the Ishbias the current $30+ million bill to pay, but also adding to it with deadline trades that might not pan out. Its not like this is a unique concept, one many front offices have tried and failed, but Jones knew the kind of people he needed around to achieve this. It was his first start since April 2, 2015. pin. By not basking in the spotlight now, he is sticking to his humble approach with the hopes of letting a potential championship do the talking for him. Suns name James Jones general manager. Dario Saric out with an ACL injury suffered 7/6/21. Kaminsky was another guy they essentially got for free after his brief run with the Sacramento Kings. This doesnt necessarily mean Sarver or Garvin would veto a trade that makes the Suns better. All of those are moves that displayed a clear net loss in value and would go on to receive the worst of the trade grades, deservedly so at that time. If youve read me in the past, then you already know Ive sung my James Jones praises from the rooftops. With the salary cap set at $109 million, the Suns are expected to operate as a team over the cap but well under the $132 million luxury tax threshold, reports Arizona Sports' John Gambadoro and. 7/29/21 Drafted DayRon Sharpe (2021-29th). Phoenix Suns general manager James Jones has long been one of the best at his position since taking over duties. How the Suns lost Game 1, and what that means for the rest of the series, The odds are now well against the Phoenix Suns in this series, though a few tweaks and better effort could make a world of difference, Suns drop to 3rd best title odds as Warriors advance to second round. He was given sole control of the position on a permanent basis in 2019, just two years after his retirement as a player. But I also knew that having Chris was going to change things in the way that could allow for us to be in this position, just because of who he is and my experience with him before.. For all the work he and head coach Monty Williams have done in establishing a culture, it would never have been possible without the right group. Its better. He won three NBA championships, two with the Heat and one with the Cavaliers. With the conference semifinals set, let's take a look at the best player in each of the 8 first-round series. He dealt a 2020 late first-round pick that became Desmond Bane (whoops!) Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Interest-Based Ads | EU Privacy Rights | Cookie Policy | Manage Preferences. After the following season provided the franchise their best regular season record (which included signings of players like JaVale McGee and Bismack Biyombo to improve their center depth), Jones was promoted from general manager to President of Basketball Operations and general manager (through acting team governor Sam Garvin) on November 28, 2022. While the Ishbias might appreciate the effort, they could also place more demerits against Jones job performance for it. At the start of the 2019-20 season, Jones and Williams were the only Black general manager-head coach duo in the league. 8/6/21 Renounced the rights to Cheick Diallo and Tariq Owens. Since joining the Suns, Jones has lead the evaluation and evolution of team operations, and helped to build a stronger connection between the front office, players and team personnel. And Deandre Ayton, with Pauls leadership and push, began living up to his billing of a top pick. [2], Jones played in 75 games, starting 24, for the Pacers during the 200405 season, averaging 4.9 points per game while also ranking 25th in the NBA and leading the team in three-point conversion percentage (39.8%). Lets wait and see how this Deandre Ayton situation unfolds. During his tenures as general manager with the Hornets, Bower drafted two future NBA All-Stars in David West (18th in 2003) and Chris Paul (4th in 2005), and the team also drafted two future NBA All-Stars while he was director of scouting or assistant general manager with the team in Baron Davis (3rd in 1999) and Jamaal Magloire (19th in 2000). Surrounding your star players with the right complementary pieces both from a basketball and character perspective is what cultivates a winning culture. Getting him at this price tag remains a steal. James Jones, general manager of the Phoenix Suns, speaks during media day on Sept. 30, 2019, at Talking Stick Resort Arena. 6/29/23 Qualifying offer deadlines for Deandre Ayton and Cameron Johnson. In exchange for Paul and forward Abdel Nader, the Suns sent Kelly Oubre Jr., Ricky Rubio, Ty Jerome, Jalen Lecque and a 2022 first-round pick to the Thunder. What a schmuck. So Im always in constant improvement mode., He added: One thing that I say a lot internally is that, sometimes experience can be the enemy of progress. Updated by the minute, our Dallas Cowboys NFL Tracker: News and views and moves inside The Star and around the league . [2] Jones's nicknames include "Champ", "J. [2] He won his second championship when the Heat defeated the San Antonio Spurs in seven games. Jones was also responsible for the 2020 trade that sent Chris Paul to the Suns, as well as the teams signings of free agents like Cameron Payne and Jae Crowder. Phoenix Suns Player Salary and Roster Info - Basketball Insiders Second-rounders: Dwayne Collins (2010-60th), Cenk Akyol (2005-59th), Milos Vujanic (2002-36th), Ron Ellis (1992-49th), Non-Bird: Langston Galloway ($1,669,178), ETwaun Moore ($1,669,178). A franchise with rich history at the center position, the Los Angeles Lakers went into the 2018-19 NBA season with JaVale McGee the only viable big man. To get Josh Jackson out of Phoenix, he attached a showing-signs-after-his-rookie-year DeAnthony Melton (that is now a crucial piece for the Memphis Grizzlies) and two second-round picks to Jackson for Memphis to send back salary filler (Kyle Korver) and Jevon Carter. Crucially, there is a foundation and ecosystem in place that Jones forged for the Suns to continue this success well beyond the first couple of years. The Suns will need more than a Tesla motor to stop the two-time MVP. Now, there's some evidence to support that. This is how you generate a reputation of becoming winners, by establishing winning habits. This website is free for you to use but we may receive commission from the companies we feature on this site. Jones initially became the Suns interim co-GM alongside Trevor Bukstein following Ryan McDonoughs dismissal in 2018. Jones, one of 11 Black general managers in the NBA, agreed to the extension in the midst of the NBAs investigation into the Suns and the conduct of majority owner Robert Sarver. Vol. 3, Iss. 2: What Are You Up To, Champ? - Substack And taking that approach, I say, I need to just sit back, and listen, and watch, and not lean on my experiences as a player for the reason that I dont want to overweigh. Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA (select parishes)/MA/MD/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. The Sarver/Garvin pairing hasnt written a luxury tax check in over 10 years. Why would the outgoing owners care, if theyre about to sell the team? He actually understands what the job entails and how to do it. Jones brought in the majority of those players, not to mention Williams himself. This offseason they couldve upgraded the backup PG spot. And so thats been my experience since Ive been here. The league is conducting the investigation in the wake of ESPN publishing a report on Nov. 4, 2021, based on interviews with more than 70 current and former Suns employees who described a sometimes toxic and hostile workplace of racism and sexism during Sarvers 17-year tenure in Phoenix. Taking a risk, taking a swing for the fences to move the needle, etc. James should be really credited for the job he has done. Phoenix Suns general manager James Jones was ranked as the top of his position in a recent study done by Onlinebetting.com. That points towards them having the utmost confidence in the Payne train. [65] Because of the Suns' dramatic improvement, Jones earned the 202021 NBA Executive of the Year Award. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & resort (KS). If they dont win games, they dont excel at a high level, the decisions that we make from personnel, the decisions that we make with our personnel, they dont turn out, they dont pan out. That angst for some, which we will hit on in a minute, sure looks stupid in hindsight. Owner Robert Sarver and general manager James Jones of the Phoenix Suns look on during the NBA preseason game at Footprint Center on October 06, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. Center of the Sun: The Rubio mentality, next-level Booker, and respect. 9/14/21 No-aggregation restriction lifts on Landry Shamet. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800 GAMBLER. 6 to 11 in that 2019 draft to scoop up a one-year-from-RFA Dario Saric and selected Cam Johnson (not whoops!). His career was revived in the Bubble, where he averaged 10.9 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 3.0 APG, in 22.9 minutes per-game on a TS% of 61.2. That means General Manager James Jones has extra complications baked into any potential trades he wants to execute by February 9, including the need to get . Suns' James Jones Ranked as Top NBA GM in Study 'It's not an accident': Suns general manager James Jones has made most When the ESPN report was published, Jones said in a statement: None of whats been said describes the Robert Sarver I know, respect and like it just doesnt.. Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images. [1] His cousin Mionsha Gay also played at the University of Miami. email. He also seems like a genuinely great person and has made a positive impact in the locker room already. A daily roundup of Phoenix Suns news from Bright Side of the Sun, By submitting your email, you agree to our, James Jones just keeps winning on the margins, Monty and the Suns need to realize that Shamet aint it. [69][2][40] The James Jones Legacy Foundation was founded in 2009. They currently own a league-best 37-9 record. We all know from years past, Sarvers transaction approvals are often heavily influenced by his own personal perception of the players in question. In college he won "Best Sports Column" in the state of Arizona for his section and has previously provided coverage for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona State Sun Devils. Jones was the team MVP his junior and senior years and once blocked 16 shots in one game. [54] During the 201819 season, he orchestrated two trades for the Suns to acquire more veteran players to help improve the team's play: trading Trevor Ariza for Kelly Oubre Jr. in December 2018 and Ryan Anderson for Tyler Johnson in February 2019. Thats what I tell people a lot of times: You dont do this in the vacuum, it takes everyone. Jones led the Heat in games played, three-point field goals made with 123, three-point field goals attempted with 287 and charges drawn with 29. By using this website you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Currently, there are 11 African American general managers in the league, as well as Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri, who is Nigerian. Something went wrong. [52] Jones played in 48 games, starting 2, for the Cavaliers during the 201617 season while averaging 2.8 points, 0.8 rebounds and 7.9 minutes a game.[34]. He also acquired and re-signed All-Star guard Chris Paul while building a roster that reached the NBA Finals in 2021 and entered Tuesday an NBA-best 37-9 this season. Because were the Suns, right? The makeover Jones has given, turning the Suns into a premium destination for players and a contender, has resulted in him not only creating an identity for the organization but forming one for himself as an executive. Because of this, the Suns are a work team, what they commonly refer to themselves as. The Suns had a 19-63 record in 2018/19, but went 34-39 and then 51-21 in the leagues two COVID-shortened seasons, earning a spot in the NBA Finals in 2021 and earning Jones an Executive of the Year award. The club has also added Jeff Bower as senior vice president of basketball operations and retained Trevor Bukstein as assistant general manager. [15][2] Jones finished the 200708 season third in the league in three-point percentage with a percentage of 44.4%. James just has no ego, Suns coach Monty Williams recently said. He averaged 25 points per game as a senior, earning Class 6A Player of the Year and First-team All-State honors. In any case, the little moves have been just as important as the big ones when discussing the Phoenix Suns success. Now there are seven such duos, including the Cleveland Cavaliers Koby Altman and J.B. Bickerstaff, the Houston Rockets Rafael Stone and Stephen Silas, the Detroit Pistons Troy Weaver and Dwane Casey, the Dallas Mavericks Nico Harrison and Jason Kidd, the New Orleans Pelicans Trajan Langdon and Willie Green, and the Philadelphia 76ers Elton Brand and Doc Rivers. Jones understands the weight that comes with being a Black NBA general manager. Note: Players can waive their trade bonuses. Theyve had a lot of success, so for me, I take it as a team award. The position has officially remained vacant since 2015, when Babby moved into an advisor role. They put together a really interesting franchise. Salary and team data change quite often. Booker became an NBA All-Star for the second time. Theres a reason you see quotes every couple of months from All-Stars like Damian Lillard and Rudy Gobert gushing about the way the Suns get after it. He used to be able to dunk on you, but he hasnt been able to in years and his knees still hurt. Suns-Nuggets preview, Pt.1: Can Deandre Ayton stifle Nikola Jokic again. They did a lot of winning, those guys won a lot of games. Jones missed 36 games due to right wrist injures and was a DNP-CD six games. [70][71] Jones previously owned an urban redevelopment company called James Jones Ventures. Following that season Bower finished third in voting for NBA Executive of the Year. Odds and lines subject to change. I cant wait to see how it all turns out. Official release. Jones, a key figure in Phoenixs resurgence, is proud to be part of progress for Black sports executives. Been a fan of his from his first PC. Then didnt offer the max to Ayton, probably the easiest of decisions to any GM. Phoenix Suns general manager James Jones (left) presents the NBA Cares Community Assist Award to Devin Booker (right). 11 pick Cameron Johnson. Bower had previously served two terms as general manager of the Charlotte/New Orleans Hornets from 2001-2003 and 2005-2010. [66] The Suns would reach the 2021 NBA Finals, but lost the series in 6 games to the Milwaukee Bucks.