As far as surprises, the most significant was the news that the Utah Jazz hired Austin Ainge to be their next president of basketball operations. This monumental decision is designed to improve the franchise’s competitive landscape in the highly competitive NBA. Ainge, 43, will immediately step into this new role. He spent 17 years with the NBA’s Boston Celtics, where he developed a reputation as one of the brightest minds in all of professional basketball.
Austin Ainge is the son of Danny Ainge, who was the son of the Jazz’s current CEO and alternate governor. His deep roots with the Celtics stretch back to being named assistant general manager six years ago. During his tenure, he contributed to the team’s success, including their recent triumph in the 2024 NBA championship and a consistent playoff presence, with the Celtics making the playoffs in 17 of the last 18 seasons and winning at least one playoff series in eight of the last nine years.
Ainge started his career with the Celtics in 2009. He was immediately named the head coach of their G League affiliate. During that time he’s gotten peerless perspective in all of the different angles of an NBA organization. His instincts for talent evaluation, coupled with an immaculate feel for team chemistry, have produced an omnipresent respect among his coaching colleagues.
The Jazz’s owner, Ryan Smith, said that he was “all in” on hiring Ainge after hearing the news of his appointment. He iterated that Austin’s experience is very important. His visionary mentality will be instrumental as the Jazz look to continue developing a program that’s on the cusp of contending for a championship. Smith was keen to discuss the synergy he expects to see in Ainge’s and current general manager Justin Zanik’s day-to-day operations.
“Austin is experienced, forward-thinking and laser-focused on building a championship-caliber program,” – Ryan Smith
Smith highlighted the timing of this hiring, stating, “Hiring Austin couldn’t be coming at a better time as we build up as an organization towards our ultimate goal of championship-level basketball.”
Austin Ainge’s history with his father at the helm of the Celtics has fostered a unique understanding of organizational operations. Relationships run deep. Both Ainges have established themselves with the pedigree in both DI and pro basketball. In particular, Brad Stevens trusts Austin’s basketball IQ and values his insight. That familial and professional connection is sure to serve him well as he makes his way into the top position, continuing a familial and professional connection to the city.
“As I look out into the future, there’s no one I would rather have run this organization than Austin. His pedigree, his knowledge and his talent evaluation shined through, working with DA for so long and having the trust of Brad [Stevens] all of these years. Austin has the full capabilities to run our operations — he’s methodical, diligent and just brilliant.” – Ryan Smith
Even though in his new role, Ainge is keen to create some immediate buzz with Jazz fans. Having fallen behind in recent years, the franchise is committed to rebuilding its program. Rest assured that his deep past with the glory Celtics provides him with plenty. He is clearly willing and able to make bold decisions that will raise the ceiling on where the Jazz could be in future seasons.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Austin Ainge as our new president of basketball operations,” – Ryan Smith
“Austin is one of the brightest minds in the NBA — his 17 years with the Celtics have given him incredible insight into every part of an organization.” – Ryan Smith
Austin Ainge is entering this new chapter with excitement. His experience and understanding of the game should help him develop a winning culture in his new home state. Utah’s ownership and management are betting that Ainge’s long-range planning and dogmatic focus on their goals will help them get there.
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