Jordan Ott Takes the Helm of the Suns: A New Chapter in Phoenix
Phoenix prepares for a new era in its basketball team, with Jordan Ott at the helm. The challenge is considerable: an expensive roster but with results below expectations, an increasingly involved owner, and a fanbase that has yearned for a championship since the franchise’s founding in 1968. Ott’s arrival as head coach will not be easy. The team has struggled, and the pressure to get results is high. However, Ott is optimistic and focused on the future.The official presentation of Ott took place at the team’s training facilities, approximately one week after he was hired. Ott replaces Mike Budenholzer, who was fired after a season with a 36-46 record. This designation marks the fourth Suns coach in the last four seasons. Ott’s resume is typical of a rising coach in the NBA, and he is considered an innovator, especially on the offensive side. He has held various roles for over a decade in the league, including stints with the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers and, most recently, the Cavaliers, who achieved a 64-18 record last season.We are aware of what it means to be an NBA coach. I am not here to look back, but to push this team forward. That is my only priority.
Jordan Ott
His teams have reached the playoffs in 10 of his 12 seasons in the league.
A detail in Ott’s past, which could be important and generate some controversy among fans, is that the 40-year-old coach was a video coordinator for Michigan State from 2008 to 2013, after obtaining a master’s degree from the same institution. The Suns owner, Mat Ishbia, was a Spartans player from 1999 to 2003 and has shown a tendency to hire personnel with experience at the university. The concern of the fans lies in whether Ishbia is prioritizing personal relationships over hiring the best available option. Ott discussed his time at the Spartans, but stated that he formally met Ishbia in the final stages of the interview process.Before Ott got the job, general manager Brian Gregory explained that the team conducted an exhaustive interview process that lasted more than a month. Several candidates met with the Suns, and the two finalists were Ott and Johnnie Bryant, also an assistant with the Cavaliers.I have earned the right to be here. I have dedicated 20 years to working as hard as possible to get to this point. I have been surrounded by great people, great coaches, and great players, which has allowed me to grow and challenge myself to improve.
Jordan Ott
It remains to be seen which players Ott will have for the start of training camp. Devin Booker, an emblematic player of the franchise who has played in Phoenix for his 10 seasons, seems to be the only untouchable player. The Suns are expected to try to trade Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal this summer. Moving Beal, who has a contract of over $50 million per season and would have to waive a no-trade clause, will be much more difficult. Regardless, Ott could take several weeks to define his core group of players.In the end, there was no doubt, Jordan Ott stood out at every stage of the process. We are bringing in a hungry assistant coach, who is now a head coach and who has spent 12 years in the NBA preparing for this day.
Brian Gregory
Any good coach will build their system based on their personnel on both sides of the court. There is a preferred style of play, and it can still be achieved with different players. But until the personnel is defined, it can’t really be built.
Jordan Ott
