Rod Thorn Replaces Stu Jackson as NBA President of Basketball Operations

The NBA’s longtime Executive VP of Basketball Operations, Stu Jackson, is stepping down after 13 years on the job. Jackson is reportedly looking for another front-office gig with a team, and he’ll be replaced by Rod Thorn who becomes the League’s President of Basketball Operations as of August 1. Per the press release: “Stu has made enormous contributions to the NBA over the past 13 years,’ said NBA Commissioner David Stern. ‘He informed Adam Silver, Joel Litvin and me some months ago that after a long and distinguished career at the league he felt that this was the appropriate time to step down. We thank Stu for a job very well done, including assisting with the transition to Rod, and wish him the best in his future endeavors.’ As EVP, Basketball Operations, Jackson was in charge of all oncourt and international basketball operations, including game rules, conduct, discipline and analytics and also served as chairman of the NBA Competition Committee and on FIBA’s Competition Commission and USA Basketball’s Board of Directors. ‘The NBA has given me an extraordinary opportunity to work with some of the most talented people in sports and I am extremely proud to be associated with the remarkable global growth of the league, which couldn’t be in better hands with Rod coming in to lead Basketball Operations,’ said Jackson. ‘I especially want to thank David, Adam and Joel for their exceptional leadership, friendship and continued support. I’m looking forward to applying my NBA experience as I move onto my next challenge.’ […] Thorn will oversee both Basketball and Referee Operations, reporting to the Commissioner. Most recently, Thorn was President of Basketball Operations for the Philadelphia 76ers. ‘As a player, coach, general manager, league vice president and team president, Rod has been a member of the NBA family for decades, and his basketball knowledge and team relationships are unparalleled,’ said Stern. ‘We are fortunate that his talents are available to serve the league at this time.’ … ‘I am looking forward to serving all 30 teams and our sport and am honored to be at the league office to help continue the game’s extraordinary growth,’ said Thorn. ‘As the NBA turns increasingly to analytics and continues to tap into its growing fan and player base on a global basis, there is much work to be done.'”