The Phoenix Suns could decide to hire Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott, a career assistant in the NBA who could finally be ready for a big head coaching break during the 2025 hiring cycle.
The Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin reports that Ott’s Michigan State Spartans basketball connections to general manager Brian Gregory and majority owner Matt Ishbia could get his foot in the door in Phoenix.
“League sources describe Ott as someone who is ready to be an NBA head coach. He’s viewed as a grinder who studies the game and has very sound offensive and defensive strategies. He’s strong in player development and film sessions, is organized and a teacher of the game,” Rankin wrote.
“The Michigan State connection with Suns general manager Brian Gregory and Ishbia has factored into Ott’s candidacy for Phoenix’s head coaching position.”
Ott, as Rankin points out, also has connections to one of the Suns’ biggest stars – albeit one who could be out the door this offseason.
“Ott also has ties to Suns superstar Kevin Durant, who was in Brooklyn from 2019 until just before the 2023 trade deadline when the Suns acquired him in a blockbuster deal,” Rankin wrote.
Kevin Durant is widely expected to be traded this offseason. Everyone but Devin Booker, who is reportedly sticking it through with the team through whatever comes next, is likely to be discussed at the negotiating table this offseason.