Jazz executive vice president of basketball operations Dennis Lindsey is transitioning to an advisory role with the franchise, reports ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter link).
Although Lindsey has been the head of basketball operations in Utah in recent years, general manager Justin Zanik has run day-to-day operations in the front office since 2019 and he’ll continue to do so going forward, sources tell ESPN. Head coach Quin Snyder will also continue to have a “significant organizational voice,” says Wojnarowski (via Twitter).
New Jazz owner Ryan Smith is expected to take the opportunity to evaluate the basketball operations department to “see where it can be strengthened,” Woj adds (via Twitter). Tony Jones of The Athletic (all Twitter links) also suggests that more front office changes are on the way, with former Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge among those who could be in the mix to join the Jazz. Ainge was linked to Utah immediately after word broke that he was stepping down from his job in Boston.
However, Wojnarowski stresses that Smith and Zanik have worked well together, and Jones says the plan is for Zanik to head up the basketball operations department going forward. If Ainge comes aboard, it won’t be to lead the front office, according to Jones. It’s unclear if Ainge would be interested in a role where he’s not making the final decisions.
Lindsey, confirming his move to an advisory position, shared a statement with Wojnarowski:
“In recent years, I have had conversations with the Miller family and then Ryan Smith when he came on board about moving into an advisory role. This is an appropriate time to make the transition with the organization on such solid footing. … I look forward to making contributions to the Jazz in a different way, while enjoying more time with my wife Becky and our four children.”
Jazz, Nuggets, Blazers and Mavs are well-run organization
Currently
Wolves, Kings, Rockets and Pelicans are poor run organization
Mavs are literally a dumpster fire, but sure their a well run dumpster fire I suppose.
Well that was off. Blazers & are currently embroiled, Jazz are changing, Nuggets did not replace an injured star despite good warning, perhaps reflecting the loss of a key exec.
The Rockets are far better run than the Mavs.
The Jazz new ownership group definitely are raising the Jazz’s profile in the world. Although, Lindsay was great for the Jazz. Still will be great as an advisor. Zanik should be great as well. It’s nice the Jazz keep positive relationships with front office people they’ve had. Never know when it’ll help.
As for new additions, I’ve heard Ainge’s name, but I agree that it would be as a consultant, not a leadership role. He’s got health problems and is older.
I’ve also heard Shane Battier’s name. Perhaps Battier will be brought in as an assistant GM? He already left Miami as one their analytics guys. Couldn’t hurt. He’s a smart basketball mind.