Former Phoenix Suns general manager James Jones is now the NBA’s new executive vice president, head of basketball operations, the league announced on July 9. Jones will replace Joe Dumars, who is now vice president of basketball operations for the New Orleans Pelicans. He’ll report to Byron Spruell, president of league operations.

While Layden is best known for his work with the Jazz at the NBA level, he first coached his alma mater, Niagara University, for eight seasons from 1968 to 1976. He led the Purple Eagles to their first-ever NCAA men's tournament in 1970 before moving to the NBA as an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks.