As the Phoenix Suns enter a pivotal offseason, questions have begun to surface about the role of general manager James Jones within the organization. Despite leading the Suns to their first NBA Finals appearance in over a decade, rumors suggest that Jones may be losing power in Phoenix.
Jones assumed the role of Suns GM in 2019, following a successful playing career that included three NBA championships with the Miami Heat. He inherited a roster in need of a complete overhaul, and has since made a series of savvy moves that have transformed the Suns into one of the league’s top teams.
Under Jones’ leadership, Phoenix has drafted promising young players like Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges, while also adding veteran talent like Chris Paul and Jae Crowder. The Suns went 51-21 during the regular season, earning the second seed in the Western Conference and cruising through the playoffs to reach the Finals.
However, despite Jones’ success in building a contender, reports suggest that he may be losing influence within the Suns organization. In the wake of Phoenix’s loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in the Finals, there were rumors that team owner Robert Sarver was considering making changes to the front office.
One potential reason for this shift in power is the recent hiring of Suns assistant GM Jeff Bower. Bower, a longtime NBA executive, has a reputation as a skilled talent evaluator and has served in various front office roles with the Hornets, Pistons, and Suns.
While Bower’s hiring was initially seen as a positive move for the Suns, some speculate that it could be a sign that Jones is losing control. Bower’s experience and expertise could make him a valuable addition to the front office, but it remains to be seen how his role will affect Jones’ authority.
Another factor that may contribute to Jones’ declining influence is the looming free agency of point guard Chris Paul. Jones was instrumental in bringing Paul to Phoenix last offseason, and the veteran point guard played a key role in the Suns’ playoff run.
However, with Paul’s contract up and his future in Phoenix uncertain, some speculate that Sarver could be looking to make changes to the front office in anticipation of a potential rebuild. If Paul were to leave in free agency, the Suns could be forced to pivot towards a younger, more developmental approach – something that may not be in line with Jones’ vision.
Ultimately, it’s unclear whether Jones is truly losing power within the Suns organization. His success in building a championship contender speaks for itself, and it’s unlikely that Sarver would make significant changes without a compelling reason.
Regardless of what the future holds, it’s clear that Jones has left a lasting impact on the Suns. His shrewd moves and strategic vision have helped turn Phoenix into a destination for top talent, and have given Suns fans reason to be optimistic for years to come.
