Lon Babby, who was named the Phoenix Suns's President of Basketball Operations in 2010 after spending years as a player-agent, will shift into a part-time role with the team, the Suns announced on Wednesday. Babby will now serve as an advisor to the team while general manager Ryan McDonough, who was hired in 2013, will be in charge of all basketball decisions.
Suns president Lon Babby to step down, accept reduced role
Ryan McDonough is now in charge.
Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
The changes will be effective Aug. 1, which is when Babby's current contract expires. Afterwards Babby will remain in Phoenix and helps the Suns with contract negotiations and salary cap management, according to the Arizona Republic.
“I am grateful that Robert (Sarver, Suns managing partner) has accommodated my wish to reduce my work load, while remaining a vital part of the Suns organization,” Babby said in a prepared statement. “At this stage of my career, I welcome the flexibility that comes with this new role, a flexibility that will enable me to do other things that are important to me both personally and in the community. I feel particularly confident in making this transition because of the quality of leadership in place within the organization.”
The Suns failed to make the playoffs in all five seasons under Babby. He was also responsible for the ousting of Alvin Gentry and the hiring and firing of former GM Lance Blanks.
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