James

Jones

They’re also interested in DeSagana Diop to be the backup to starting center Jerome James. The Pacers will likely match any offer to James, while Diop is free to sign with anyone he likes. Knicks fans can’t be too excited about the prospective tandem of James and Diop at center.

“I have the utmost confidence in James as the leader of our basketball operations moving forward,” said Suns’ owner Robert Sarver, “and we are aligned in the ultimate goal of one day bringing an NBA championship to Phoenix.” The Suns also installed Jeff Bower as senior vice president of basketball operations and they will retain Trevor Bukstein as their assistant general manager.

The report adds, “the possibility remains open for co-interim general managers James Jones and Trevor Bukstein to remain with the team, either as a general manager or in another capacity.” Plus, the team is expected to have “new faces in its basketball operations department” prior to the NBA Draft.

The Suns recently parted ways with Ryan McDonough, but it would be smart for them to get a new GM in place before the season starts, particularly with the team still looking to add a starting point guard. Jones has endeared himself to management operating as the VP of Basketball Operations, and it looks like Sarver would like to hire from within.

Jones was assessed a Flagrant-2 and it’s doubtful there will be any additional punishment from the league. He was clearly trying to send a message to Noah in advance of the playoffs.

Miller’s status is expected to be updated later on Monday. If he misses time, James Jones could see a small boost in minutes as the designated sharp-shooter.

While Wade has had some ankle issues this week, we are guessing that him sitting on Friday has to do with the fact that the Heat are playing the lowly Bobcats. Wade is expected back for Sunday’s game, but be sure to get him out of your lineups if you still can. With Mike Miller also being ruled out, James Jones will get plenty of run.

Miller and Dwyane Wade are sitting out for “maintenance situations” on Friday according to head coach Erik Spoelstra. James Jones should get lots of run for Miami against Charlotte and makes for an interesting spot play if you need threes.

If Wade misses time down the road, give Jones a look for his 3-point shooting and nothing more.

Only a few starters played for either team (Mario Chalmers, Paul Pierce, Brandon Bass, Avery Bradley) and only four players scored in double digits on the night. James Jones chipped in with 11 points, six rebounds and three pointers, and Udonis Haslem had six points and 13 rebounds in the ugly loss. And with the Heat now locked into the No. 2 seed and nothing to play for, expect more of the same on Thursday against the Wizards. Pittman, Haslem and Jones might be worth adding for that one, but Mario Chalmers (eight points, 3-of-10 shooting, 28 minutes) could be due for a rest, clearing the way for Norris Cole to get more minutes. Cole had six points in 26 minutes tonight, so there aren’t really any clear cut must-own players in Miami, despite the skeleton crew they’re running out there.