Suns extend Ryan McDonough, hire James Jones

Early this morning the Suns announced a press conference that came entirely unexpected to fans of the franchise. The news was all together positive.

Suns fans welcome back Ryan McDonough the current General Manager of the franchise, who has signed an extension through the 2019-2020 season.

McDonough and owner Robert Sarver also welcomed newly hired Vice President of Basketball Operations, James Jones. The former glorified veteran of the league, made his press conference debut for the Suns today, announcing how pleased he is to join the organization while simultaneously letting NBA fans know that he is retiring from playing.

Jones: "This is kind of like a destiny fulfilled for me."
— scott bordow (@sbordow) July 19, 2017

We knew something pretty substantial was happening this morning with the Phoenix Suns scheduled press conference. With the timing, and the buzz around it, it wasn’t just going to be a regular information gathering session.

McDonough being one of the younger GM’s in the game is now joined by James Jones who is just about a year younger than his new boss, and so, whether intentionally of coincidentally, the youth trend continues in Phoenix. Already with one of the youngest teams in the NBA, the Phoenix Suns continue to show that they are enduring a young, and vibrant process with the extension of one and the signing of the other, with these two young front office members.

It is nice to see that McDonough is getting this contract extension for a few more seasons. It tells fans that the culture surrounding this team, that has been instilled by him, is going to play its course. It is hard to say that the Suns will be contending in the West even in the next couple seasons, but with a confidence in the growth of the young players and their developments starting with the front office is key, and having Ryan coming back solidifies said confidence.

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Bringing in James Jones is an interesting and exciting move. James, one of very few people in NBA history to reach the NBA Finals seven straight seasons, brings a Championship pedigree to the rest of the front office. Being a former Suns player, James Jones was a part of some of the better, most recent times in Suns history. As a man who is just now hanging up his shoes for good, he will be sure to bring that tenacity and leadership to the front office, that indisputable will to win, to everybody involved with the team.

For an offseason that has been highlighted by the play of rookie sensation, Josh Jackson, the nice showing from Bender and Chriss in the Summer League, now has this to add to the list. As we look towards the future of the franchise, Valley of the Suns fans, it’s time to welcome in (and back) Ryan McDonough and James Jones.

For more, follow Drew on Twitter: @Drew_Zlogar