Phoenix Suns’ Disappointing Season and New Head Coach Announcement
The Phoenix Suns have arguably been one of the biggest disappointments in the NBA this season. After Matt Ishbia took over as governor and made a high-stakes trade for Kevin Durant—sending away Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, and several unprotected first-round picks—the expectations for the team soared. Yet, despite the financial investment and a strong roster, they’ve only managed to win one playoff series in three attempts with Durant. It’s bewildering, especially considering they’ve recorded no playoff victories in the last two seasons.
This offseason, the urgency was palpable for the Suns. With both Mike Budenholzer and Frank Vogel leaving after unsuccessful tenures, the organization needed a fresh start. On Wednesday, they announced that Jordan Ott, a Cleveland Cavaliers assistant, would be the new head coach. His background suggests he fits the mold that Phoenix is looking for.
Just: The Phoenix Suns are hiring Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott as the franchise’s new head coach, sources told ESPN. OTT has been an NBA assistant since 2012 and has a strong background in offensive and defensive creativity, player development and communication.
– Shamscharania
Ott’s journey includes time at Michigan, where he worked as a video coordinator under Tom Izzo from 2008 to 2013. His connection to the organization deepened when the Suns appointed Brian Gregory to GM earlier this offseason. Interestingly, Gregory also spent time under Izzo in the late ’90s.
Ishbia, who also has ties to Michigan as a former walk-on for Izzo, seems to have a strong influence on the team’s direction. Reports indicate that the Suns might be considering trading Durant again, possibly involving Michigan’s Jace Richardson in the upcoming NBA Draft.
Connections to Michigan run deep within the organization. For instance, star player Devin Booker hails from Michigan, and even the CIO, Paul Rivers, has ties to the state. It seems the Michigan legacy is firmly embedded in the Suns’ culture.
We’ve been criticized by a few people who are tired of Michigan jokes, but I’m no joke. It’s just reality.
Bartelstein – Michigan
Gregory – Michigan
OTT – Michigan
Paul Rivers – from Michigan
I worked for Taliaferro – Pistons– Sam Cooper
OTT may indeed bring a new perspective that the Suns desperately need. Unlike the previous coaches who had championship accolades, Ott could provide a fresh approach. He’s recognized for his player development in Cleveland, which could be beneficial for the Suns’ roster. However, there’s an underlying skepticism about whether Ishbia’s preference for Michigan alumni is influencing his decisions too heavily.
Suns fans are certainly buzzing about the Michigan connections:
I can’t wait to find out how the Suns will get Jalen Jackson JR, Draymond Green, Miles Bridges, Jace Richardson, Xavier Tillman, Gary Harris and Max Christie.
– Mike Vigil
Despite the excitement, the Suns face significant challenges ahead. Bradley Beal’s no-trade clause and his hefty contract loom large, as do the expectations surrounding Durant’s future with the team. The franchise won’t control its first-round picks until 2032 due to previous trades, leaving many to wonder how they can rebuild effectively. The Western Conference is unforgiving, making their climb back to prominence all the more daunting.
It’s almost surprising, given the Michigan ties, that Ishbia didn’t reach out to Izzo himself for guidance. But perhaps that would be too much of a gamble even for him. All in all, the Suns are navigating an intricate web of connections and pressures, and finding a way back to winning will take considerable effort.
