PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns have made a significant move by hiring Jordan Ott, an assistant coach from the Cleveland Cavaliers, as their new head coach. This decision comes as part of an effort to revitalize a team that has seen better days over the past few seasons. The announcement is expected to be made soon, according to sources close to the situation.
Ott steps in to lead the Suns after a tumultuous season that saw the team finish with a disappointing 36-46 record, resulting in the firing of Mike Budenholzer. Despite having high-profile players like Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal on the roster, the team fell short of the playoffs.
At 40 years old, Ott has an impressive coaching resume, having previously worked with prestigious teams like the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, and most recently, the Cavaliers. His experience also includes serving as a video coordinator under Tom Izzo at Michigan State, where Suns owner Mat Ishbia played as a walk-on.
Looking ahead, it’s uncertain whether Durant or Beal will remain with the team, as both players could potentially be traded. However, Booker appears to be the only player seen as indispensable after establishing his place in the franchise for a decade.
Ott was selected from a competitive pool of candidates, including fellow Cavaliers assistant Johnnie Bryant. Under their leadership, Cleveland achieved an impressive 64-18 record this past season, the best in the Eastern Conference.
The Suns are in a rebuilding phase after a rapid rise to success and subsequent decline over the past five years. They reached the NBA Finals in 2021 but fell short against the Milwaukee Bucks. Following the Finals appearance, the Suns had a stellar regular season but were eliminated early in the playoffs the next year.
After buying the team in early 2023, Ishbia made significant changes, including the trade for Durant. Unfortunately, the Suns were unable to find their footing in the postseason, prompting a series of coaching changes, starting with the dismissal of Monty Williams.
The offseason saw the acquisition of three-time All-Star Bradley Beal and the hiring of coach Frank Vogel, but the team’s chemistry was lacking, resulting in an early playoff exit. Budenholzer’s hiring before last season didn’t yield better results, as the Suns failed to qualify for the play-in tournament.
With Ott at the helm, the Suns hope to turn the tide and reclaim their competitive edge in the NBA.
