Phoenix Suns: 5 candidates to replace Ryan McDonough as GM
5. James Jones
This wouldn’t be too unlike the Sixers settling for Elton Brand after the whole Bryan Colangelo fiasco. The difference is Philly has Brett Brown calling the shots. Even if the Suns trusted Igor Kokoskov with a role like that, he has his hands full just trying to figure out who to field a winning product with such an unbalanced roster.
In any case, that role would be filled by Robert Sarver anyway.
Owner Robert Sarver has become even more involved in day-to-day of franchise. He already had a strong voice in many moves, including past coaching hires. James Jones has become a favorite of Sarver, too. He'll be a GM candidate there. https://t.co/4ytPiv1EhC
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 8, 2018
Jones’ rise to interim GM has been a rapid one, but as a recently retired NBA player, he has a good relationship with plenty of active players in the league.
He won’t be swaying someone like LeBron James to come to Phoenix if the Los Angeles Lakers didn’t work out, but he’s got a good reputation around the association, which has to count for something as the Suns try to stop being a laughingstock.
James Jones is likely 3 years away from being a GM - Being the front man of an organization. The leader. He has no level of real experience. Now Sarver has hired and elevated people like that before in organization but just means that he (Sarver) is likely calling the shots.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) October 8, 2018
However, there’s also serious concern over promoting someone with so little front office experience. Jones definitely deserves a place in management for the Suns to help build their brand and relationship with players and free agents, but this franchise has to get this hire right.
There’s understandable fear that hiring James Jones as the full-time GM would only be making him Sarver’s puppet. With the owner reportedly trying to get even more involved in day-to-day activities with the team, Jones might wind up being just another “yes man.”