James Jones, the current NBA executive vice president and head of basketball operations, served as a Phoenix Suns front office executive from 2017 to 25, providing him a different perspective on the team’s star than most in the league office.
He expressed his admiration for guard Devin Booker’s viewpoint in an interview with SiriusXM NBA Radio on Thursday. Despite fining the Suns player $35,000 for making scathing remarks regarding the officiating in a Game 2 defeat to the Thunder, the team did not punish him further.
Jones acknowledged that the stress of postseason basketball may have contributed to Booker’s postgame press conference
.
“I don’t want the comments to detract from a terrific game, outstanding competition, and the things that happened on the court,” Jones said. “But I understand, this is the playoffs. It’s emotional, but at the end of the day, players have their own viewpoints and opinions, and they will express whatever they want to say.
Before expressing his confidence that the guard’s drive to win would be evident in Game 3 on Saturday, Jones remarked favourably of Booker’s character.
“Devin, clearly, has always been an honest person who says it like it is, and he wears his emotions on his sleeve because he is passionate about it… ” We know Devin wants to compete, and more than anything, he is looking to bounce back in Game 3, according to Jones.
Booker questioned the NBA’s ethics, while Phoenix owner Mat Ishbia claimed prejudice in refereeing.
The league’s official statement after fining Booker and canceling the Suns guard’s technical foul from Game 2 on Thursday read: “Following an investigation that included numerous interviews and video review, the league discovered no proof of bias or misconduct by game officials. “
NBA vice president of basketball operations Malik Rose acknowledged that a player of Booker’s stature making such important comments adds weight to the situation. The former player and official stated that Booker’s remarks were heard and taken seriously.
“Reputation does play a role, therefore when someone like Devin Booker says something like that, even if it is not what we want to hear at the league office, we will handle it appropriately,” Rose stated. “But it’s not like it falls on deaf ears. “
Rose praised Booker for “carrying himself at a high standard for his entire 11-year career” before declaring the issue resolved.
“I’ve been on the road, so I wasn’t in the office this week, but I’m reasonably certain his complaint was heard, both teams are aware, and so on,” Rose said. “It was handled. “
