NBA executive VP Stu Jackson to step down Aug. 1

NEW YORK (AP) -- Executive vice president of basketball operations Stu Jackson is leaving his position at the NBA on Aug. 1, and Rod Thorn will return to the league office as president of basketball operations, the league said Wednesday.

Jackson spent more than 13 years at the league. In his current position, he is in charge of all rules, conduct and discipline on the court. He has been involved in college or pro basketball for more than three decades, was chairman of the NBA's Competition Committee, and served on FIBA's Competition Commission and USA Basketball's Board of Directors.

"Stu has made enormous contributions to the NBA over the past 13 years," NBA Commissioner David Stern said Wednesday in a statement. "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."

Thorn previously spent 14 seasons at the NBA office and has been a successful team executive with Chicago, New Jersey and Philadelphia. He drafted Michael Jordan with the Bulls and was Executive of the Year with the Nets.

"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," Stern said. "We are fortunate that his talents are available to serve the league at this time."

Thorn will oversee both basketball and referee operations. Kiki VanDeWeghe, the senior vice president of basketball operations, and Mike Bantom, the executive vice president of basketball operations, will report to Thorn.