Jerry Colangelo
The youngest GM in pro sports who built the Suns into a contender, reaching the NBA Finals in 1976 and 1993.
Jerry Colangelo is the architect of the Phoenix Suns as a franchise. Hired in 1968 as the team's first general manager, he became the youngest general manager in professional sports at the time. He assembled a group of investors that bought the Suns in late 1987, in the wake of a drug scandal. Under his leadership, the Suns made one of the biggest turnarounds in NBA history in 1988–89, nearly doubling their win total from 28 to 55. He traded for Kevin Johnson in 1987 and for Charles Barkley in 1992, which propelled the Suns to the 1993 NBA Finals. Colangelo won four different NBA Executive of the Year honors with the Suns, the most honors for an executive of one team in the NBA. He holds the distinction of the second-longest tenure running an NBA franchise, exceeded only by Red Auerbach of the Boston Celtics.
Quick Facts
- Born
- 20 November 1939
- Birthplace
- Chicago Heights, Illinois, U.S.
- High school
- Bloom Township (Chicago Heights, Illinois)
- College
- Illinois (1960–1962)
- Career position
- Guard
- Career number
- 23
- Hof
- jerry-colangelo
Lore & Background
Colangelo's early years with the Suns were marked by a tough break: he lost a 1969 coin flip to the Milwaukee Bucks for the rights to Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar). Despite that, the Suns were competitive through the 1970s, making the NBA Finals in 1976 but losing to the Boston Celtics in six games. Colangelo even served two stints as head coach during that decade, compiling a record of 59 wins and 60 losses. The 1980s brought difficulties: players like Garfield Heard were involved in a drug scandal, and young center Nick Vanos died in a 1987 plane crash. From 1985 through 1988, the Suns failed to qualify for the playoffs. Colangelo then assembled a group of investors to buy the Suns in late 1987, and made a trade for Kevin Johnson that same year. The turnaround was immediate: in 1988–89, the Suns nearly doubled their win total from 28 to 55, starting a streak of 13 straight playoff appearances. In 1989, Colangelo was essential in providing financial backing to build America West Arena. The 1992 trade for Charles Barkley sent Jeff Hornacek, Tim Perry, and Andrew Lang to the Philadelphia 76ers. The Suns reached the NBA Finals again in 1993, losing to the Chicago Bulls in six games. Barkley's relationship with Colangelo grew sour, and he was traded to the Houston Rockets in 1996. Colangelo eventually turned over the Suns' presidency to his son Bryan, who later left to become general manager of the Toronto Raptors.
Reader's Guide
Jerry Colangelo is the most influential executive in Phoenix Suns history. He was hired in 1968 as the team's first general manager, becoming the youngest GM in professional sports. He lost a 1969 coin flip for Lew Alcindor but built a competitive team that reached the 1976 NBA Finals. After a drug scandal and a playoff drought from 1985 to 1988, Colangelo bought the Suns in late 1987. He traded for Kevin Johnson in 1987 and for Charles Barkley in 1992. The Suns reached the 1993 NBA Finals. Colangelo won four NBA Executive of the Year honors with the Suns, the most for an executive with one team. He holds the second-longest tenure running an NBA franchise, behind only Red Auerbach. He stepped down as Suns president when his son Bryan took over, and Bryan later left to become general manager of the Toronto Raptors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jerry Colangelo?
Jerry Colangelo was the visionary General Manager and President who shaped the Phoenix Suns' modern identity from the 1980s through 2007. He transformed a struggling franchise into an offensive powerhouse known for its flair, eventually earning induction into the Hall of Fame.
What role did he play in the organization?
Serving as both General Manager and President, Colangelo acted as the primary architect behind the team's roster construction and overall direction. His leadership blended basketball intelligence with showmanship to create a distinct style of play for the franchise.
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