Phoenix general manager James Jones was the guy who would routinely hold court at his locker a half-hour before games and engage in all sorts of conversations in his playing days. Books he was reading, what the financial markets were doing, current events, political matters, the nuances of the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement. It was all fair game. He was smart. He knew it, too. These days, the rest of the NBA — if they didn’t know previously — has figured that out as well. The eight general managers left in the NBA playoffs all had success stories to tell long before their postseason runs of 2021 started. For the team that winds up winning the NBA title, it’ll be a breakthrough since none of the remaining franchises have won a championship since 1983. And for the winning GM, it’ll be another breakthrough -- since none of them have won rings in their current capacities either. “I took this job saying this would be a challenge for me to help young guys who are here in Phoenix, trying... [More]

2021 — Stephen Curry, Golden State 2020 — Buddy Hield, Sacramento 2019 — Joe Harris, Brooklyn 2018 — Devin Booker, Phoenix 2017 — Eric Gordon, Houston 2016 — Klay Thompson, Golden State 2015 — Stephen Curry, Golden State 2014 — Marco Belinelli, San Antonio 2013 — Kyrie Irving, Cleveland 2012 — Kevin Love, Minnesota 2011 — James Jones, Miami 2010 — Paul Pierce, Boston 2009 — Daequan Cook, Miami 2008 — Jason Kapono, Toronto 2007 — Jason Kapono, Miami 2006 — Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas 2005 — Quentin Richardson, Phoenix 2004 — Voshon Lenard, Denver 2003 — Peja Stojakovic, Sacramento 2002 — Peja Stojakovic, Sacramento 2001 — Ray Allen, Milwaukee 2000 — Jeff Hornacek, Utah 1999 — No contest 1998 — Jeff Hornacek, Utah 1997 — Steve Kerr, Chicago 1996 — Tim Legler, Washington 1995 — Glen Rice, Miami 1994 — Mark Price, Cleveland 1993 — Mark Price, Cleveland 1992 — Craig Hodges, Chicago 1991 — Craig Hodges, Chicago 1990 — Craig Hodges, Chicago 1989 — Dale Ellis, Seattle 1988 — Larry Bird, Boston 1987 — Larry Bird, Boston 1986 — Larry Bird, Boston

PHOENIX (AP) — The bubble was encouraging for them and so was the offseason. But the real proof that the Phoenix Suns might be ready to end their 10-year playoff drought obviously wouldn't come until all the new players were actually on the floor. So far, so good. The Suns — built around the All-Star backcourt of Chris Paul and Devin Booker — have won six of the past seven games to push their record to 14-9 about one-third through the slightly shortened 72-game NBA season. That’s good for fourth place in the Western Conference behind the Jazz, Lakers and Clippers. Booker's goal is to show the Suns are just beginning to show what they can do. They've got another big opportunity Wednesday when they host Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks, who are 16-8 and second in the Eastern Conference. “We're at a crucial part of the season where we have to lock in more than ever,” Booker said. “We need to do our work early instead of trying to make up games toward the end of the year.” Phoenix... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — Forward Kelly Oubre Jr. re-signed with the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday.The team said it was a multiyear deal.Oubre was acquired in a trade with the Washington Wizards for veteran Trevor Ariza last December. He averaged 16.9 points and 4.9 rebounds in 40 games with the Suns to go with his energy on defense. The four-year pro led the NBA in steals per game with 2.1 after the All-Star break, to go with 20.2 points and 5.7 rebounds."Right now I'm a Phoenix Sun, and I'm excited to get better every day with the group of guys that we have," the 23-year-old Oubre said. "At the end of the day, I'm super excited about where we're going and where we're going to be. The sky's the limit for us."The numbers don't lie," he added. "You see how my game evolved when I got here and it happened the right way. Nothing was given to me."Oubre returns to a new-look roster that includes star Devin Booker and second-year center Deandre Ayton, plus point guard Ricky Rubio. The Suns also added power forward... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — The Phoenix Suns have gone through coaches like tear-away racing visors, the count up to five in five years.The instability has hurt them on the court, the run of playoff-less appearances stretching to nine straight seasons with this year's 19-63 finish.Monty Williams, the man GM James Jones hired to coach the Suns, hopes to change the trend."Continuity, having a staff here for a while and putting in a system that the players can rely upon, but ultimately it will come down to James, myself and the players pushing this thing forward," Williams said during his introductory news conference Tuesday. "The players are going to have to embrace a level of work and commitment that it takes to be a champion."Williams was hired on May 3 to replace Igor Kokoskov, who was fired after one season in the desert.Williams's arrival in Phoenix was delayed while he finished out the playoffs as an assistant to Philadelphia coach Brett Brown. The 76ers were eliminated from the playoffs last week... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — The Phoenix Suns have gone through coaches like tear-away racing visors, the count up to five in five years.The instability has hurt them on the court, the run of playoff-less appearances stretching to nine straight seasons with this year's 19-63 finish.Monty Williams, the man GM James Jones hired to coach the Suns, hopes to change the trend."Continuity, having a staff here for a while and putting in a system that the players can rely upon, but ultimately it will come down to James, myself and the players pushing this thing forward," Williams said during his introductory news conference Tuesday. "The players are going to have to embrace a level of work and commitment that it takes to be a champion."Williams was hired on May 3 to replace Igor Kokoskov, who was fired after one season in the desert.Williams's arrival in Phoenix was delayed while he finished out the playoffs as an assistant to Philadelphia coach Brett Brown. The 76ers were eliminated from the playoffs last week... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — The Phoenix Suns are looking for stability after their previous coach lasted just one season.They hope Monty Williams is the man to lead their turnaround.The Suns announced Friday that they had come to terms with Williams, a former head coach and a current assistant in Philadelphia. He will take over as Phoenix's fifth coach in five seasons when the 76ers' playoff run ends. They lead Toronto 2-1 in the Eastern Conference semifinals.Williams replaces Igor Kokoskov, who was fired last week after one disappointing season."Monty brings a wealth of NBA experience, both as a coach and former player, in addition to being a high-character individual who will infuse basketball wisdom and life lessons into our locker room," Suns general manager James Jones said in a release. "Monty is well respected for his coaching pedigree, leadership and commitment to the community, all of which make him the ideal person to lead our team moving forward."The 47-year-old Williams previously spent... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — The Phoenix Suns are looking for stability after their previous coach lasted just one season.They hope Monty Williams is the man to lead their turnaround.The Suns announced Friday that they had come to terms with Williams, a former head coach and a current assistant in Philadelphia. He will take over as Phoenix's fifth coach in five seasons when the 76ers' playoff run ends. They lead Toronto 2-1 in the Eastern Conference semifinals.Williams replaces Igor Kokoskov, who was fired last week after one disappointing season."Monty brings a wealth of NBA experience, both as a coach and former player, in addition to being a high-character individual who will infuse basketball wisdom and life lessons into our locker room," Suns general manager James Jones said in a release. "Monty is well respected for his coaching pedigree, leadership and commitment to the community, all of which make him the ideal person to lead our team moving forward."The 47-year-old Williams previously spent... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — Philadelphia 76ers assistant Monty Williams will be the new coach of the Phoenix Suns, replacing Igor Kokoskov, who was fired last week after one disappointing season.The Suns announced Friday that they had come to terms with Williams, who will join Phoenix after the 76ers complete their run in the NBA playoffs. The 76ers have a 2-1 lead over Toronto in the Eastern Conference semifinals."Monty brings a wealth of NBA experience, both as a coach and former player, in addition to being a high-character individual who will infuse basketball wisdom and life lessons into our locker room," Suns general manager James Jones said in a release announcing the move. "Monty is well respected for his coaching pedigree, leadership and commitment to the community, all of which make him the ideal person to lead our team moving forward."The 47-year-old Williams has previous head coaching experience, spending five seasons in charge in New Orleans from 2010 to 2015, a stint during which he led the franchise to two postseason appearances. He is in his first season as an assistant coach with the 76ers. He also played nine years in the NBA, including time with New York, San Antonio, Denver, Orlando and Philadelphia.Williams takes over a team that has been mired in mediocrity, missing the playoffs for nine straight seasons. The Suns finished 19-63 this season, Kokoskov's only year in the desert.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

PHOENIX (AP) — One season was not enough for Igor Kokoskov to convince the Phoenix Suns that he was the man to lead the franchise into the future.The Suns fired Kokoskov Monday night, ending the tenure of the NBA's first European-born coach after one disappointing season."After extensive evaluation, I determined it is best to move in a different direction with our head coaching position," Suns GM James Jones said in a statement. "I want to thank Igor for his work this past season and wish him the best with his future endeavors."Kokoskov arrived in the desert with hopes of rebuilding a franchise coming off its second-worst record at 21-61. He was hired to replace Jay Triano, named interim coach after Earl Watson was fired last season.The Suns entered the 2018-19 season with one of the NBA's most dynamic scorers in Devin Booker and added the No. 1 overall pick of the 2018 draft, big man Deandre Ayton.Instead of a revitalizing season, the Suns continued to mire in mediocrity, missing the playoffs... [More]

G James Jones and the Cavaliers are still determining whether he will return next season, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Jones, 36, was a part of the Miami Heat's championship teams with LeBron James before following the superstar to Cleveland for the 2014-15 season. In December 2015, James said of Jones, "He's my favorite player of all time."Jones played in 48 games last season and started twice, averaging 2.8 points, 0.8 rebounds and 0.3 assists.

One of the Cleveland Cavaliers' reserves will return next season, but another remains uncertain.Forward Richard Jefferson, who previously was mulling retirement, announced Wednesday on his podcast that he is coming back. However, guard James Jones and the team are still determining his status, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.Jefferson, 37, said on his "Road Trippin'" podcast on the LeBron James-owned "Uninterrupted" social-media platform, "I will be starting my 17th season next year; I am not retiring."Jefferson's 2017-18 contract is guaranteed for $2.5 million. Last season, his second with Cleveland, he appeared in 79 games, making 13 starts, and averaged 5.7 points, 2.6 rebounds and one assist.He played in 14 postseason games, contributing 3.9 points and 1.8 rebounds per contest.Jefferson, a 2001 first-round pick by the Houston Rockets out of Arizona, has played for the New Jersey Nets, San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks and Cleveland. He has career averages... [More]

F James Jones is going to his seventh straight NBA Finals, all with LeBron James. Bill Russell holds the record of appearing in 10 consecutive Finals. Jones scored two points in eight minutes Thursday in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals vs. Boston.

The NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers re-signed veteran guard/forward James Jones to a one-year contract Wednesday.The deal is worth a reported $1.55 million.The 35-year-old Jones, who is close with LeBron James, has been a part of six consecutive Finals teams -- and three NBA championships -- in Miami and Cleveland"We're very happy to have James back with the Cavaliers," general manager David Griffin said in a statement. "He is a champion in every sense of the word and his leadership and professionalism over the last two years have translated with our team in many different ways that have helped us reach our goals. 'Champ' delivers a clear reflection of what success at the highest level should embody and his contributions and commitment to our team are something we need and appreciate greatly."The 6-foot-8, 218-pound Jones has spent the past two seasons with Cleveland after originally signing as a free agent with the team on Aug. 5, 2014. Last season, Jones appeared in 48 games for the... [More]

Jones collected 10 points (2-6 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 5-5 FT) and three rebounds over 13 minutes in Monday's 91-81 loss to the Grizzlies.

The veteran posted his highest point total of the preseason to date, and has sunk at least one basket from beyond the arc in the trio of exhibition contests. Jones appears to have been surpassed for the moment by fellow vet Richard Jefferson as LeBron James' primary backup, but his position on the depth chart could certainly change as the exhibition season unfolds. Jones' superior three-point shooting is a valued asset, and could be the deciding factor in earning him a place on the Cavs' final roster.

Jones will re-sign with the Cavaliers to a one-year contract at the veteran's minimum.

As expected, Jones will remain in Cleveland and attempt to make another run at an NBA title with fellow teammate, LeBron James. Over 57 games during the 2014-15 season, Jones averaged 4.4 points, 1.1 rebounds and 0.4 assists over 12 minutes per game. Considering he saw an extended 19 minutes per game in the finals, it's clear the Cavaliers' coaching staff trusts him as an experienced veteran. Despite the overall belief in his game, he still remains very limited in his fantasy value, as he likely won't see enough minutes to keep him relevant.

Jones played more minutes in the NBA Finals than he did at any other part of the season. He averaged 18.8 minutes and provided 3.3 points.

Jones was on the court to help the Cavaliers battle the Warriors' small-ball attack. He did not hit a 3-pointer in his last three games. The 34-year-old small forward averaged 4.4 points and hit 36 percent of his 3-pointers in his first year as a Cavalier. As a friend of LeBron James, he could well be back with the team next year, but will have minimal fantasy impact.

Jones scored eight points (3-7 FG, 2-4 3Pt) with a pair of steals in 23 minutes in the win over Golden State on Sunday.

Jones was effective at using his length on defense and hit a pair of 3-pointers. He equaled his playoff high in minutes and should be a decent low-salary DFS play in Game 3 on Tuesday.

Jones played 17 scoreless minutes (0-1 FG, 0-1 3Pt) in the loss to Golden State on Thursday.

Jones was on the court for his length and to potentially stretch the court. He should continue to get decent reserve minutes, particularly if Kyrie Irving (knee) is out. The veteran friend of LeBron James will hit multiple 3-pointers in at least one game in the series.

Jones scored nine points (2-5 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 3-3 FT) with a season-high five assists in the overtime win against the Hawks on Sunday.

Jones continued his streak of either hitting multiple 3-pointers or none at all. He received more minutes with Kyrie Irving (ankle) and was active on the offensive end.