NBA Exec VP/Basketball Operations STU JACKSON after more than 13 years will step down from his position, with 76ers President of Basketball Operations ROD THORN to replace Jackson in the role of NBA President of Basketball Operations, effective Aug. 1. Jackson was in charge of all on-court and int'l basketball operations, served as NBA Competition Committee Chair and on FIBA's Competition Commission and USA Basketball's BOD. Thorn will oversee both Basketball and Referee Operations, reporting to Commissioner DAVID STERN. Prior to his role with the 76ers, Thorn spent 10 seasons as Nets President of Basketball Operations (NBA). SI.com’s Ben Golliver noted Thorn’s addition is “one of a number of recent moves within the league office.” The NBA in March hired former player, coach and exec KIKI VANDEWEGHE as VP/Basketball Operations. The NBA also hired former player and league exec MIKE BANTOM as Exec VP/Referee Operations in ‘12 and former NBA referee DON VADEN as VP & Officials Dir in ‘11. Both Vandeweghe and Bantom “will report to Thorn” (SI.com, 7/10).
