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PHOENIX (AP)— Jordan Ott begins his first head coaching role in the NBA with a costly roster that has underperformed, an owner who is increasingly involved and has vowed to take a hands-on approach, and a frustrated fan base that has yet to celebrate a championship since the franchise’s founding in 1968.
Assuming control of the Phoenix Suns will be a significant challenge.
But Ott welcomes the challenge.
“We’re all conscious of what we’re committing to when we become NBA coaches,” Ott remarked. “I’m not here to dwell on the past; I’m dedicated to pushing this organization forward. That’s where my focus lies.”
The Suns officially welcomed Ott at their practice facility on Tuesday, approximately a week after recruiting him from the Cleveland Cavaliers to succeed Mike Budenholzer, who was dismissed following a disappointing season with a 36-46 record.
Ott becomes the fourth head coach for the franchise in as many years.
First-year general manager Brian Gregory mentioned that he conducted a thorough interview process lasting over a month. The Suns assessed multiple candidates, with Ott and fellow Cavaliers assistant Johnnie Bryant emerging as the final contenders.
“Ultimately, there was no doubt — Jordan Ott truly distinguished himself at every step of the evaluation,” Gregory stated. “What we’re bringing in is a passionate former assistant who has spent 12 years in the NBA preparing for this moment.
“His work ethic is exemplary.”
It remains unclear which players Ott will have at his disposal by the time training camp commences. Four-time All-Star Devin Booker — a franchise legend who has been with the Suns for all 10 seasons of his career — appears to be the only player considered untouchable on the roster.
The Suns are expected to pursue trades for veteran stars Kevin Durant and three-time All-Star Bradley Beal this summer. While the 36-year-old Durant is likely to attract significant interest, trading the frequently injured Beal, who is owed over $50 million for each of the next two seasons and must waive a no-trade clause, is expected to be more difficult.
In any case, it could take weeks before Ott identifies his core players.
“A competent coach tailors their system based on their personnel, both offensively and defensively,” Ott noted. “There’s a desirable style of play, but adjustments can be made according to the available players. However, we can only truly build out the system once the roster is finalized.”
Ott’s credentials mirror that of a rising NBA coach, known for his innovative strategies, particularly offensively. Over more than a decade in the league, he has taken on various roles, including with the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, and most recently, the Cavaliers, who recorded an impressive 64-18 last season, the best in the Eastern Conference.
Throughout his 12 seasons, his teams have reached the playoffs in 10 of them.
However, a detail in Ott’s background that may have weighed in on his selection—and raised concerns among some fans—is that the 40-year-old served as a video coordinator at Michigan State from 2008-2013 after obtaining a master’s degree from the school.
Suns owner Mat Ishbia played as a walk-on for the Spartans from 1999 to 2003 and has shown a preference for hiring individuals with ties to the university.
Gregory—who has a wealth of experience as a college basketball coach but limited time in the NBA—was an assistant at Michigan State during Ishbia’s playing days. Fans are worried that Ishbia may be prioritizing personal connections over selecting the best candidates.
Gregory openly acknowledged his ties to Michigan State and Ishbia when he was introduced in May. Ott spoke fondly about his Michigan State experience during his introduction on Tuesday, asserting that the first time he met Ishbia was during the final stages of the interview process.
“I’ve earned my place here,” Ott asserted. “I’ve dedicated two decades to working relentlessly to reach this point. I’ve had the privilege of learning from exceptional people, coaches, and players who have helped me grow and challenged me to improve.
“I know I’ve earned this chance, and I am committed to working hard to demonstrate that I’m here for the right reasons.”
