James Jones has been hired by the NBA as Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations. Jones will report to Byron Spruell, President, League Operations. Jones spent the past eight seasons working in the front office of the Phoenix Suns.
Jones will oversee all Basketball Operations matters for the NBA, including the development of playing rules and interpretations, conduct and discipline, and policies and procedures relating to the operation of games. He will engage with players, coaches, team executives and referees on the state of the game, style of play and playing rules issues. In collaboration with key internal and external stakeholders, Jones will develop innovative strategies and solutions that sustain the highest level of play and competition. He will replace Joe Dumars, who left the league office in April to become the New Orleans Pelicans’ Executive Vice President of Basketball 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,” said Spruell. “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.”
“I’m thrilled and honored to take on the responsibility of leading the Basketball Operations department,” said Jones. “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.”
During his playing tenure, Jones served as Secretary-Treasurer of the National Basketball Players Association from 2008-17.