Phoenix (AP) — The Phoenix Suns have appointed Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott as their new head coach, selecting a promising leader poised to revamp a franchise that has faced challenges in recent seasons.
The source spoke to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity since the official announcement has yet to be made.
OTT will be the team’s fourth head coach in as many seasons, succeeding the dismissed Mike Budenholzer following a disappointing 36-46 season. Despite a high-profile trio of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal, the season concluded without a playoff appearance.
The 40-year-old OTT has previously served with the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Cavaliers. He also gained experience as a video coordinator under Tom Izzo in Michigan, where Suns owner Matt Ishbia played as a walk-on.
It remains uncertain if Durant or Beal will stay on the roster for next season. Booker seems to be the only consistent player left after a decade in the desert, which includes four All-Star selections.
OTT and fellow Cavs assistant Johnnie Bryant were the two finalists for the position. Both have played vital roles in leading Cleveland to a stellar 64-18 record this season, marking the best record in the NBA’s Eastern Conference.
Ishbia and general manager Brian Gregory conducted a thorough search over 1.5 months, evaluating more than 12 candidates. Gregory shares a Michigan connection as a former assistant coach.
ESPN was the first to report the hiring.
OTT will take charge of a franchise that has experienced rapid ups and downs over the last five years.
The Suns reached the NBA Finals in 2021 with a core group that included Booker, DeAndre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, Chris Paul, Cameron Johnson, and coach Monty Williams but fell short against the Milwaukee Bucks in six games. The following season, Phoenix was eliminated by the Dallas Mavericks in the second round despite holding the best record in the NBA.
After purchasing the team in 2023, Ishbia made significant moves, including trading for superstar Durant, but the Suns faced another early postseason exit, this time at the hands of the eventual champion Denver Nuggets. Following the season, Williams was let go, initiating a period of coaching changes for the franchise.
The Suns acquired Beal, a three-time All-Star, and hired coach Frank Vogel during the next offseason, yet the team struggled to find chemistry. Phoenix was swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the opening round of the 2024 playoffs, which led to Vogel’s dismissal.
Budenholzer replaced Vogel before the last season, but the Suns failed to qualify for the Play-In Tournament in 2025. Notably, OTT had previously worked under Budenholzer as a video coordinator with the Hawks from 2013 to 2016.
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Source: apnews.com