Suns push Brian Gregory to GM, allocating James Jones as senior consultant
The Suns didn’t want to find a new general manager to lead the club back to greatness, as they recently decided to promote Brian Gregory, who has been the organization’s vice president. This means James Jones will transition into the role of senior consultant, the team announced this Thursday.
The Phoenix Club also decided to promote Oronde Taliaferro to assistant general manager, while adding new basketball operations responsibilities to Chief Innovation Officer Paul Rivers. After two decades as NCAA coach, Gregory will now have a chance to redirect Arizona after a bad season.
“Brian has always been a valuable member of our front desk and has played an integral role in drafting and developing our young players,” owner Mat Ishbia said in a statement. “I am excited for him to step in with the general manager. He is an excellent basketball mind and he will transform and improve our team.”
As for Jones, who led the Suns as general manager for six years, won the 2020-21 election for the Best Executive of the Year. James rejoined the Arizona franchise in 2017 after two seasons of the player, only to lead them into the four-game playoffs as General Motors.
“James' contribution has played a big role in our organization and we are grateful for everything he has done for the Suns on the court and on the court.” “We are pleased to continue to have his experience and insight.”
Phoenix is expected to make a huge change this summer after finishing 36-46 at No. 11 of the Western Conference this season. They started first with dismissal of coach Mike Budenholzer on April 14 and are now starting to reorganize their basketball action.
“I want to put a team on the court and make everyone proud of it,” the team boss insisted at the end of the season. “It has to have an identity – similar to the identity of Phoenix. Some perseverance, some determination, some work ethics, some tribulations, some happiness. We haven't.”
