Jordan Ott never imagined this day would come — not like this, not with the keys to one of the NBA’s most high-profile franchises in his hands.
“This is a dream come true,” Ott said after being officially named head coach of the Phoenix Suns on Saturday (PH time), June 7.
The 40-year-old, who served as the lead assistant to NBA Coach of the Year Kenny Atkinson for the Cleveland Cavaliers--which finished with an East-best 64-18 record--becomes the 23rd head coach in franchise history.
“My goal is to build a culture that, across all levels — from coaches to players to support staff — will work hard every single day to put a product on the floor that makes our fans proud,” Ott said in a statement.
He now inherits a Suns team in search of identity and direction after a turbulent three-year stretch that featured three different head coaches and back-to-back early playoff exits.
Suns general manager Brian Gregory praised the new hire’s blend of communication skills, relentless work ethic, and tactical brilliance.
“He brings a brilliant offensive mind and the blueprint to implement an aggressive defensive system. He’s exactly what we need to reestablish our identity,” Gregory spoke on hiring Ott.
That identity has been elusive since Phoenix’s NBA Finals appearance in 2021.
The Suns posted the league’s best regular-season record in 2022, only to fall in the second round. After owner Mat Ishbia purchased the team in 2023, the front office swung for the fences — first acquiring two-time Finals MVP Kevin Durant, then trading for three-time All-Star Bradley Beal.
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But the results never matched the star power as Phoenix failed to reach the conference finals, was swept in the opening round in 2024, and missed the postseason altogether this season.
Now, Ott steps into a franchise facing a summer of uncertainty as it remains unclear whether Durant or Beal will be part of the team’s future, with both veterans reportedly on the trade block.
Devin Booker, entering his 11th season in the Valley, appears to be the lone untouchable — the face of the franchise with four All-Star appearances and a decade of loyalty under his belt.
