The Utah Jazz appointed Austin Ainge as president of basketball operations Tuesday, establishing clear organizational hierarchy after years of ambiguous front office structure. Owner Ryan Smith confirmed Ainge will have final decision-making authority on personnel moves.
Smith addressed speculation about nepotism, noting he had pursued the younger Ainge independently before informing CEO Danny Ainge, Austin's father, of the hire. The move came together rapidly after Smith's recent conversation with Austin Ainge about joining the franchise's rebuild effort.
"Austin will be running the program. He's got final recommendation to myself on any decisions that need to be made," Smith said during Tuesday's introductory press conference. "This is Austin's show."
Organizational Structure Clarified
The hire resolves confusion that existed since Danny Ainge joined as CEO of Jazz basketball in December 2021. General manager Justin Zanik previously operated without a traditional president above him, creating unclear decision-making protocols.
Austin Ainge brings 16 years of NBA experience, including six seasons as assistant general manager with the Boston Celtics. He began his career coaching the Maine Red Claws G League affiliate in 2009.
"We have a ton of optionality, a lot of future picks, a lot of things we can do," Austin Ainge said. "It's going to take a lot of work, but I can't wait to get started."
Justin Zanik retains his general manager title but now reports to Austin Ainge. Smith emphasized the hire doesn't change Zanik's role beyond the reporting structure adjustment.
Utah's front office had operated collaboratively under Danny Ainge and Zanik's joint leadership. Austin Ainge's appointment establishes traditional basketball operations hierarchy as the franchise continues its rebuilding process.
