Dennis Lindsey, Utah Jazz, Mike Zarren, Boston Celtics. (Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports)
Former Utah Jazz general manager Dennis Lindsey has stepped down to an advisory role.
After nearly a decade on the job, long-time Utah Jazz front office executive Dennis Lindsey is stepping down to assume an advisory role for owner Ryan Smith.
Lindsey had been the Jazz’s general manager since leaving the San Antonio Spurs organization in 2012. He was promoted to executive vice president of basketball operations in 2019 and Justin Zanik assumed the general manager role. While Zanik will continue to run the day-to-day, Lindsey’s role will be even more behind the scenes, as he looks to spend more time with his family.
Lindsey sent out a message on his decision to step down as executive vice president on Sunday.
Utah Jazz: Dennis Lindsey steps down to assume an advisory role with team
Though Utah had the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference Playoffs this year, the Jazz were unable to get out of the conference semifinals after losing four in a row to the LA Clippers. The Jazz have a strong core of center Rudy Gobert and guard Donovan Mitchell, but we have to believe they missed out on their best chance to win an NBA Finals since the peak years in the late 1990s.
What Lindsey’s move signifies is even more of the focus will be on Zanik on how he builds this team. Utah needs to revamp its roster to some extent, as the Jazz need to get more athletic on the wing defensively without necessarily giving up their ability to knock down 3-pointers consistently. Either way, Utah is well-equipped for this type of front-office transition heading into next season.
As Lindsey fades even more into the background, Zanik becomes even more important for Utah.