The Utah Jazz are hiring Austin Ainge as president of basketball operations. Ainge has worked for the Boston Celtics for the last 14 years. Ainge’s father, Danny Ainge, is currently the CEO of basketball operations for the Jazz. Justin Zanik has had a large role running the team’s day-to-day operations as the team’s general manager.
Austin Ainge will have ultimate say in all basketball decisions as he joins the Jazz.
“I’m sure there’s probably a lot of questions around organizational structure and design, and I’ve learned in business and also in the NBA, that every organization is set up a little different,” Ryan Smith said as he introduced Ainge to local media. “For us, Austin will be running the program. He’s got final recommendation to myself on any decisions that need to be made.
“I think it’s the job of both Justin, Danny and myself to kind of plug into him. So hopefully that alleviates quite a few questions as to who has the final decision on roster and management and personnel.”
Smith later emphasized that Austin is in charge.
“This is Austin’s show,” said Smith.
Part of Ainge’s role with Boston has been to lead the team’s college and international scouting departments. Ainge is often credited with the Celtics ability to draft impact players late in the first round, as well as bringing in talent from overseas.
The Jazz have the fifth pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. They’ve been in a rebuilding mode for the last three seasons, after trading Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves respectively.
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June 2, 2025 | 10:30 pm
