The Phoenix Suns have hired Boston Celtics assistant general manager Ryan McDonough as their new GM, hoping that his knack for talent evaluation and strong business sense will be of great help to the team.

"Ryan distinguished himself among an impressive group of candidates for our GM position," Suns president of basketball operations Lon Babby said in a statement. "His natural leadership and communication skills will serve the Suns well."

"And, his prodigious work ethic and ability to identify talent will enable us to take full advantage of the 10 draft choices, including six in the first round, that we have over the next three years. We welcome his championship pedigree to our organization," Babby added.

The 33-year-old McDonough edged Milwaukee assistant GM Jeff Weltman and San Antonio assistant GM Scott Layden for the Phoenix job. He is the Suns' fifth GM since 2006.

McDonough has worked for the Celtics since 2003 when he joined their video department a year after graduating from North Carolina before working in different front-office positions, including three years as assistant GM.

During his tenure as assistant GM, McDonough was known as a trusted advisor to Boston president Danny Ainge.

McDonough has been credited in Boston for drafting Avery Bradley, a No. 19 pick in 2010 who has evolved into a starter.

He also was part of the contingent that convinced Celtics ownership to invest in a 2006 draft-day trade for Phoenix's No. 22 pick to get Rajon Rondo.

The Celtics also found late first-round draft value with Glen Davis and Jared Sullinger.

 

 

 

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Suns Hire Celtics' Ryan McDonough as General Manager