NEW YORK — The National Basketball Association (NBA) has appointed James Jones as Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations. A decorated former player and award-winning executive, Jones will report directly to Byron Spruell, the NBA’s President of League Operations.
In this role, Jones will oversee the league’s Basketball Operations, including game conduct and discipline, rule development and interpretation, and the policies governing gameplay. He will work closely with players, coaches, referees, and team executives to guide the NBA’s on-court direction and playing style. He steps into the position formerly held by Joe Dumars, who departed in April to join the New Orleans Pelicans.
“James is widely respected across the NBA as an inspiring leader and the consummate teammate,” said Spruell. “His basketball acumen and relationship-building skills make him an ideal choice to lead our efforts in shaping the future of the game.”
Jones added:
“I’m honored to lead the Basketball Operations department. This role allows me to bring my passion for basketball to a new level and collaborate with the league’s talented professionals to drive innovation and growth.”
From Championship Pedigree to League Leadership
Jones arrives at the NBA’s league office following eight impactful seasons in the Phoenix Suns’ front office. He served as VP of Basketball Operations starting in 2017, became General Manager in 2019, and was promoted to President of Basketball Operations in 2022. He transitioned to a Senior Advisor role in May 2025.
Under his guidance, Phoenix made four consecutive playoff appearances starting in 2020–21. That season, Jones earned the NBA Executive of the Year award as the Suns posted a 51–21 record and reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 1993. The following year, the team recorded a franchise-best 64 wins en route to the Western Conference Semifinals.
A Player Known as “Champ”
Before joining the Suns’ front office, Jones played 14 seasons in the NBA, suiting up for the Pacers, Suns, Trail Blazers, Heat, and Cavaliers. He appeared in 709 regular-season games and 148 playoff contests, reaching the NBA Finals in seven straight seasons. He earned the nickname “Champ” with title wins in Miami (2012, 2013) and Cleveland (2016).
A second-round pick in the 2003 NBA Draft (No. 49 overall), Jones was a sharpshooter throughout his career, finishing with a 40.1% three-point percentage. He won the 3-Point Contest at the 2011 All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles and ranked in the league’s top 10 for three-point shooting multiple times.
Leadership On and Off the Court
During his playing days, Jones served as Secretary-Treasurer of the National Basketball Players Association from 2008 to 2017. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Miami, where he played collegiate basketball and was later inducted into the school’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.
Jones and his wife, Destiny, have three children: daughters Jadynn and Jodie, and son James.
