Phoenix Suns general manager James Jones is the 2020-21 NBA Executive of the Year. The Suns held a special ceremony on the court ahead of Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Los Angeles Clippers, with Jones' kids presenting him with the special honor on Father's Day.
Suns surprised GM James Jones with the Executive of the Year award before game 1.
“All I have to say is go Suns, let’s win.” pic.twitter.com/T2PGk4DZO5
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) June 20, 2021
Jones made the big move to acquire Chris Paul from the Oklahoma City Thunder last offseason. The Suns were already riding the momentum of an 8-0 run in the bubble, and Paul's presence helped them become one of the best teams in the NBA. Phoenix went 51-21 in the regular season, giving them the No. 2 seed right behind the Utah Jazz.
The Suns have romped through the playoffs since Anthony Davis went down midway through the first round. Paul suffered a shoulder injury against the Los Angeles Lakers but gutted through it as Phoenix won in six games. The Suns then destroyed the Denver Nuggets in a four-game sweep.
Jones' big offseason acquisition is unfortunately out for the start of the Western Conference Finals because of COVID-19 protocols. However, Phoenix has an impressive roster in place even without Paul, thanks in large part to Jones. He also acquired Jae Crowder last offseason after the veteran was such a big part of the Miami Heat's run to the NBA Finals in the bubble.
Jones spent some of his NBA playing career with the Suns and joined the front office in 2017 after retiring. In addition to the player personnel decisions, Jones made the move to fire Igor Kokoskov and hire Monty Williams, who was a top candidate for Coach of the Year this season.
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