1:56 PM
Danny Ainge was named alternate governor and CEO of Jazz Basketball on Wednesday.
Ainge will work with Zanik, who runs the teams' day-to-day operations.
The Boston Celtics' president of basketball operations, Danny Ainge, is back in the NBA with Ryan Smith, the new owner of the Utah Jazz. Ainge is a popular figure in Salt Lake City, where he was a college basketball All-American.
Smith Entertainment Group and the Utah Jazz have big ambitions. Smith said that Danny is one of the best basketball minds in the world and he is also passionate about this state and the community. We believe in adding the best talent to all aspects of our organization and are fortunate to have Danny's experience.
Ainge was the Celtics' top basketball executive for 18 years and won the 2008 NBA title. The NBA's executive of the year was Ainge.
I have known and respected Ryan and his wife for a long time. The vision for the Jazz and Smith Entertainment Group is something that Ainge is excited to be a part of. I joined the Jazz because of my roots in Utah, which was a perfect fit for me. The foundation of the team is tremendous, and Quin and Justin are doing a great job. I'm excited to work with them, be a resource, and share my perspective as we work to bring our fans the success that they deserve.
Dennis Lindsey moved into a consultant's role this summer after building the franchise into a Western Conference championship contender. Lindsey drafted Rudy Gobert and hired Quin Snyder.
