PHOENIX — Brian Gregory, who has spent the bulk of his basketball career at the college level, was named general manager of the Phoenix Suns on Thursday, the organization’s biggest move in a reshaping of the front office.
After a disappointing season in which the Suns failed to make the playoffs, owner Mat Ishbia publicly promised to evaluate basketball operations. His first move was to fire coach Mike Budenholzer, who lasted one season after going 36-46 with the league’s highest payroll. Promoting Gregory, a former college coach of Ishbia’s at Michigan State, was his second.
Gregory, 58, joined the Phoenix front office last June as vice president of player programming. He replaces long-time general manager James Jones, who will shift to the role of senior advisor. Jones had been Phoenix’s GM since 2019 and had a heavy hand in building the team that advanced to the 2021 NBA Finals.
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“Brian has been a valuable member of our front office, playing an integral role in drafting and developing our players,” Ishbia said in a statement. “I am excited for him to step into the role of general manager. He is a brilliant basketball mind, and he will transform and elevate our team.”
Gregory previously worked as head coach at Dayton (2003-2011), Georgia Tech (2011-2016) and South Florida (2017-2023). He also worked two stints as an assistant coach on Tom Izzo’s staff at Michigan State. He met Ishbia, a walk-on player, during the second stint. Gregory worked closely with Ishbia, who was the scout team’s point guard.
The Suns also promoted director of scouting Oronde Taliaferro to assistant general manager. Paul Rivers will add basketball duties to his role as chief innovation officer. With the front office in place, the Suns will look to hire a new coach, their fourth in as many seasons. Ishbia told reporters after the season that he wanted a new basketball culture, one that emphasized toughness and grit.
(Photo: Brett Davis / Imagn Images)
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