Abortion: Danny Ainge returns to NBA as CEO of Jazz Basketball

ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski has revealed that Danny Ainge is back in the NBA, this time as an alternate governor and CEO of Jazz basketball operations after the longtime friend was released. supposedly Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith hired him Wednesday afternoon. Ainge first rose to fame in Salt Lake City, where he was an All-American guard at BYU.

The Utah Jazz is hiring Danny Ainge as governor and replacement CEO, sources told ESPN. Ainge will oversee the basketball and Justin Zanik will remain the GM.

– Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 15, 2021

Smith hired Ainge after he stepped down as the Celtics’ basketball executive chairman after last season. Ainge is the Celtics’ top basketball executive and helped build the modern NBA’s first Big 3 when it bought Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett to team up with Paul Pierce. Those additions helped the Celtics win a title in 2008 and led to him winning Executive of the Year the same year.

As CEO, he will be in charge of Jazz’s basketball operations and will work closely with Utah general manager Justin Zanik.

“We have great aspirations for the Smith Entertainment Group and the Utah Jazz. Danny is one of the best basketball minds in the world, and he’s also very passionate about this state and our community,” Smith said in a statement. “We believe in adding the best talent to all aspects of our organization and are fortunate to have Danny’s acumen and experience.”

Ainge is said to be a candidate for the executive position with BILLIONRail Blazers recently. Ainge replaces Dennis Lindsey, who helped build the Jazz into a championship contender after the draft Rudy Gobert, and Donovan Mitchell, who became All-Stars. Last summer, Lindsey transitioned into an advisory role after serving as executive vice president of basketball operations for nine seasons.

“Rarely do you get the chance to join a franchise that comes close to being an exceptional team. It is a very unique opportunity. ‘ Ainge said ESPN’s Tim McMahon.