Sun's Promotion of Brian Gregory to General Manager and Appointment of James Jones as Senior Advisor
From Desk Vice to General Manager's Chair: Brian Gregory Steps Up for the Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns have shaken up their front office, promoting Brian Gregory from vice president to general manager - a move aimed at revitalizing the team's glory days. This shakeup comes on the heels of a disappointing season that saw them finish in the 11th spot in the Western Conference.
James Jones, who had been the general manager for six years, will transition to a senior advisor role. The organization announced this change on a Thursday, also welcoming Oronde Taliaferro as assistant general manager. To add to the restructuring, they've entrusted Chief Innovation Officer Paul Rivers with new basketball operations responsibilities.
Gregory, an experienced NCAA coach with over two decades under his belt, finds himself in a golden opportunity to lead the Arizona franchise out of troubled waters. His new role puts him in charge of crucial decisions such as drafting, trades, and hiring a new head coach - roles that will undoubtedly shape the team's future, particularly amid speculation about potential trades involving superstar Kevin Durant[1][3][4].
"Brian has been a pivotal figure in our front office, playing a significant role in the draft and development of our young talents," team owner Mat Ishbia stated in a statement. "I'm excited to see him step into the role of general manager. He's a smart basketball mind, and he'll revolutionize and elevate our team."
Jones, who garnered the executive of the year award for the 2020-21 season, has made significant contributions to the organization. He re-joined the Suns in 2017 after a brief stint as a player, subsequently leading the team to four consecutive playoff runs.
Although his contributions have been highly appreciated, Ishbia announced Jones' shift with a nod to his continued input. "James has played a vital role in our organization, and we value everything he's done for the Suns, both on and off the court."
The Suns are expected to make substantial strides this summer, first by letting go of coach Mike Budenholzer on April 14, and now by reshaping their basketball operations. Ishbia emphasized the need for a new team with "an identity similar to Phoenix" - one that embodies grit, determination, work ethic, and a hint of joy[1].
"I want a team on the court that everyone can be proud of," Ishbia asserted at the end-of-season conference. "It needs to have an identity - an identity much like Phoenix. Some grit, some determination, some work ethic, some grind, some joy. We just haven't had that."
- Brian Gregory, with his wealth of experience in NCAA basketball, will now assist in leading the Suns out of their recent slump, taking over as general manager with responsibilities including drafting, trades, and hiring a new head coach.
- James Jones, who served as the Suns' general manager for six years and won the executive of the year award for the 2020-21 season, will now transition to a senior advisor role, offering his brilliant sports knowledge to the organization.
- Oronde Taliaferro has been appointed as assistant general manager, joining the Suns executive team as part of the basketball operations restructuring aimed at revitalizing the team's glory days, particularly amid speculation about possible trades involving NBA superstar Kevin Durant.
- Paul Rivers, who serves as the Suns' Chief Innovation Officer, has been entrusted with new basketball operations responsibilities, working alongside Gregory and Taliaferro to revamp the franchise's basketball operations this summer.
- The Suns are looking to establish an identity on the court that reflects Phoenix's grit, determination, work ethic, and joy, with the goal of creating a team everyone can be proud of.
