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PHOENIX, AZ – DECEMBER 15: VP of Basketball Operations James Jones of the Phoenix Suns looks on before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 15, 2018 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Barry GossageNBAE via Getty Images)
Getty
PHOENIX, AZ – DECEMBER 15: VP of Basketball Operations James Jones of the Phoenix Suns looks on before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 15, 2018 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Barry GossageNBAE via Getty Images)
It’s time for the Phoenix Suns to celebrate their entry into the NBA Finals after defeating the LA Clippers in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals. While the roster does deserve a lot of the credit for the franchise’s success, so does the front office. This includes the Suns’ General Manager James Jones.
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Who is James Jones?
In James’ 14 seasons in the NBA, he was the journeyman wing but is recognised for his contributions when he was playing for the Miami Heat. He added two championships to his resume with Miami in 2012 and 13, after which he won his third with the Cavaliers in 2016.
James headed towards retirement and instantly joined the Suns, initially as the Vice President of basketball operations. A year later, he was named interim general manager and in 2019, his ‘interim’ tag also came off.
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How the face of the Phoenix Suns changed
His leadership in the Suns has created a winning culture in the organisation. From hiring the runner-up of the Coach of the Year Award this year, Monty Williams, to acquiring veteran Chris Paul, he did everything right.
This helped the Phoenix Suns improve their 34-39 record, to the second-best in the Western Conference with 51-21. Another genius move of his was bringing in Cameron Payne, who has clearly outperformed on the floor int he playoffs.
Now, the Suns are headed for the NBA Finals for the first time since 1993. But James has been given credit for his excellence as well.
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Executive of the Year
Right before the Suns were heading to play Game 1 against the LA Clippers, Jones was named Executive of the Year. He had 65 points and his close competitor Dennis Lindsey, Executive VP of Basketball operations of Utah Jazz had 61 points.
Bryan Colangelo in 2005 was the last executive from the Phoenix Suns to win this award. Undoubtedly, Jones deserves it. The incredible turnaround under him has the Suns inches away from a championship.
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 22, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) celebrates a shot against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first half during game two of the Western Conference Finals for the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Suns now await the result of the Bucks vs Hawks series. With the series tied up at 2-2, it’s highly likely it will stretch to a Game 7. Who do you think the Suns need to preparing themselves for? Will Jones’ Suns come up big against them as well?
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