The Utah Jazz announced the appointment of Austin Ainge as their president overseeing basketball operations this Monday.
Initial reports of this development were provided by Shams Charania and Tim Bontemps of ESPN.
“The chance to guide the basketball operations for the Utah Jazz is an amazing one,” Ainge stated. “I am extremely enthusiastic concerning the promising path ahead for this organization. I anticipate a strong collaboration with Ryan and Ashley Smith, along with our other key leaders within the Utah Jazz, leveraging the experience I have gained over the past 17 years in constructing a team with championship potential. Throughout my life, I have been deeply involved, meticulously studying team dynamics, player talent, team chemistry, and the selfless attitude required for success. I am eager to implement this knowledge in Utah and am dedicated to providing Jazz fans with numerous reasons to celebrate as we develop our program from the ground up.”
Ainge, the offspring of former NBA player and seasoned executive Danny Ainge, previously held the position of assistant general manager for the Boston Celtics.
Danny Ainge followed a similar career progression, resigning from his role as president of basketball operations for Boston in 2021 and subsequently assuming the position of CEO of basketball operations for the Jazz later in the same year. Since then, he has been collaborating with general manager Justin Zanik.
Austin’s decision to join his father in Utah is poised to bring heightened examination. His familial connections may also overshadow some accomplishments with the Celtics, influencing his progress within the industry.
It is also worth noting that the addition of a separate president of basketball operations can make the pecking order within the Jazz’s leadership structure less distinct.
The move to hire an executive who is adept at scouting makes good sense for Utah as the franchise undergoes an extensive revitalization. It finished with a league-worst record of 17-65 during the 2024-25 season, and circumstances may not improve quickly with star forward Lauri Markkanen subject to trade rumors once again.
The Jazz currently hold the No. 5, 21, 43, and 53 picks in the 2025 NBA draft, and the opportunity to draft within the top five gives them a chance to include a high impact player to their young foundation. Bleacher Report analyst Jonathan Wasserman forecasts they will select Texas guard Tre Johnson in his latest mock draft.
It is a favorable time for Ainge to join the organization since Utah is fundamentally a clean slate in the time since trading away high profile players Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert. No equivalent franchise cornerstone has emerged since that time, so management will remain patient as the team re-establishes itself.
The Jazz possess a wealth of draft assets that can be augmented further if Markkanen, center Walker Kessler, or guards Jordan Clarkson and Collin Sexton are traded.
Ainge will be presented with significant chances to assist in building on the groundwork that Zanik has established to this point.
