James Jones' NBA career: How did the current Phoenix Suns GM fare in his playing days?

Among younger NBA fans, James Jones is best-known for being the general manager of the Phoenix Suns.

Jones nearly helped the Suns win their first NBA title in franchise history before they lost 4-2 to Milwaukee in the 2021 NBA Finals. However, most NBA fans still remember Jones for his days as one of the NBA’s premier 3-point specialists in the late 2000s and early 2010s.

James Jones played for five teams during his 14-year NBA career between 2003 and 2017. These were the Indiana Pacers, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trailblazers, Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers. Jones averaged just 5.2 points, 1.8 rebounds and 0.5 assists per game on 40.1% shooting. However, he shot an elite 40.1% from the three on 2.7 attempts per game during his career.

Jones’ best statistical seasons came early on in his career with Phoenix and Portland. He peaked at 9.3 points per game in the 2005-06 season with the Suns. However, it was later in his career that the sharpshooter played a small role in three different NBA title teams.

He won two titles with the “Big Three” Miami Heat teams led by superstar forward LeBron James in 2012 and 2013. Jones then teamed up with James again in Cleveland, where he was a member of the Cavaliers’ historic 2016 championship team.

Outside his three NBA titles, Jones’ biggest career accolade was winning the NBA 3-point contest in 2011 as a member of the Miami Heat.

James Jones on Phoenix Suns’ incoming new ownership

Phoenix Suns general manager James Jones

It has been a frustrating, injury-riddled season for the Phoenix Suns so far, as they sit at just 25-25 and seventh in the Western Conference. That comes following their franchise-best 64-win season last year. However, one bright spot for the Suns has been their incoming new ownership.

Billionaire mortgage lender Mat Ishbia agreed to purchase the team from disgraced owner Robert Sarver in December. According to recent reports, Ishbia’s purchase of the team is expected to be approved in early February. That has James Jones excited about the future of the franchise, as he said in his recent interview with Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo:

“It’s beneficial for us. I think everyone involved would want that to be finalized by then. It’s a process the NBA oversees, but if I was buying a team — especially a team like this and given where we are — I’d be excited about being onboard before the trade deadline."

He continued:

“My conversations with Mat have been fleeting, but overall, I know he’s excited about being a part of this and pushing us in another direction. I’m excited, and I know our fanbase and players can’t wait for that day."

James Jones and the Phoenix Suns will have some big decisions to make before the February 9 trade deadline.

Most notably, they will have to decide whether to go all in on contending around the current roster. However, having a wealthy, enthusiastic new owner in their corner should make things a lot easier for everyone.