PHOENIX — When news broke that Jordan Ott would become the next coach of the Phoenix Suns, little was known about him.
Fans on social media offered mixed opinions on the hire: Some were skeptical of Ott’s lesser-known background and Michigan State connection to new general manager Brian Gregory and Suns majority owner Mat Ishbia, while others welcomed Ott as a forward-thinking, fresh face who can be with the organization long term.
The Suns officially introduced Ott at a press conference Tuesday afternoon, formally becoming the team’s fourth coach in four seasons and 23rd in franchise history. It was the first opportunity for him to relieve some of the sense of mystery surrounding him.
The most powerful moment during the presser was when Ott dispelled the notion that his ties to Michigan State were as big of a factor in his hiring as people think.
“I’ve earned the right to be here,” Ott said. “I’ve spent 20 years of working as hard as I possibly can to be here in this spot. I’ve been around great people, great coaches, great players to allow me to grow, put me in tough spots, see if I can get better.”
Ott, 40, was Gregory’s final choice for the job after a thorough search that began when he was appointed to the position May 1. Ott replaces Mike Budenholzer after he was fired following a disappointing 36-46 season, missing the playoffs in his lone season in the Valley.
After failing to meet high expectations that came along with having the NBA’s highest payroll and a trio of stars in Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, the organization went into a state of flux heading into this offseason. Gregory inherited a puzzling set of circumstances marked with limitations, pressure and no clear solution to a roster dilemma.
The hiring of Ott was the first move to solve that puzzle, and now he will join the Suns front office in its effort to turn around the team’s trajectory.
“What a whirlwind,” Ott said. “Truly special for me and my family. I’m honored to be the next head coach of the Phoenix Suns.”
The Pennsylvania native worked in college basketball for several years before working in the NBA for 12 years in a variety of roles under a variety of different coaches, earning his stripes as a valuable voice for successful and struggling teams alike.
Ott started his NBA career in 2013 as a video coordinator for the Atlanta Hawks under Budenholzer – an origin similar to other prominent head coaches including Miami’s Erik Spoelstra (a two-time champion), Frank Vogel (who won a championship in Los Angeles before coaching one season with Phoenix) and Budenholzer himself.
“To succeed in the video room you have to work long hours, be available, be there when no one is,” Ott said. “You have to be curious to learn. To know that you don’t have all the answers. I think I have carried that with me.”
Ott’s journey after Atlanta took him to Brooklyn, then Los Angeles with the Lakers and most recently in Cleveland. Notable coaches he’s worked under include Steve Nash (with Brooklyn), Darvin Ham (with Los Angeles) and Kenny Atkinson (twice, in Brooklyn and Cleveland).
In terms of his coaching philosophies, Ott emphasized his desire to play with a fast pace, constantly move on offense and create extra possessions by crashing the offensive glass. He also noted the importance of playing aggressive, communicating and staying connected through adversity – both offensively and defensively.
“His basketball knowledge, his forward-thinking in terms of offensive schemes and systems, the blueprint for an aggressive defensive style of play fit in perfectly with everything that we’ve been talking about for the last five weeks.” Gregory said.
Ott is also familiar with coaching superstars. Thirteen players were selected as All-Stars in seasons he’s coached, a list of names that includes legends like Durant, LeBron James, James Harden and Anthony Davis.
Booker will be the next big name Ott will get the chance to coach, and while he hasn’t officially done so yet, he has experience with Booker’s work ethic and natural talent.
“I’ll tell you a little story about Devin,” Ott said. “In a (2015) draft workout – it was just coach, player, rebounder – I can remember how he communicated and competed with himself. We left that workout knowing he was different, and then to see how early he had success in his career … all the great things he’s accomplished. He’s in his prime, ready to rock. We need to help him.”
Booker, 28, will continue to be the building block for the Suns as he has been since he was drafted by the organization since 2015, especially since the futures of Durant and Beal are uncertain.
Gregory remained coy when addressing rumors of a potential Durant trade.
“Jordan and I have talked,” Gregory said. “Jordan has obviously thought the world of Kevin, has a great relationship (with him), coached him … but when it comes to contract negotiations, player contracts and so forth, we don’t discuss those (with the media).”
Still, Ott remained optimistic about both the near and long-term future of the franchise, regardless of the uncertainty and challenges they face.
“As you look across the NBA, there’s so much parity around the league,” Ott said. “Even where Indiana was a couple years ago to where they are now. The team in Cleveland (made) a 16-win jump. We can make that jump.”
It was notable that Ott brought up Cleveland’s success, as he was an assistant for the Cavaliers this past season under Atkinson, the 2024-25 NBA Coach of the Year. Together, they helped lead Cleveland to a 64-18 record, first in the Eastern Conference, while leading the NBA in scoring.
Ott hopes he can bring some of that success to Phoenix.
“This last season in Cleveland definitely put me in the fire, and I’m excited to now go forward and show all that I’ve learned,” Ott said. He later added, “The way the Cleveland Cavaliers played last year – that’s how everyone wants to play.”
Ott has also earned a reputation for his strength in player development, a skill that could prove vital for a veteran-heavy Suns team navigating both the present and future.
With limited roster flexibility, Phoenix will need meaningful contributions from its younger players, whether they’re already on the roster, acquired in the upcoming NBA Draft beginning June 25 or potentially brought in through a Durant trade.
If the Suns want to remain competitive now while building a more sustainable path forward, Ott’s ability to develop talent may be the most crucial aspect of this coaching hire.
For a franchise searching for stability, Ott represents both a fresh start and a calculated bet. Whether the Suns can turn his potential into progress remains to be seen, but in a pivotal offseason filled with questions, Phoenix has made its first answer clear.