Big Basketball Names Helping New Suns Coach

The Phoenix Suns are undergoing a significant culture change, with Jordan Ott playing a crucial role as the new head coach, hired to replace Mike Budenholzer. This marks Ott's first opportunity as an NBA head coach, following his previous experience as an assistant with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

During the interview process, Ott's ability to develop talent stood out, which is particularly important as the Suns have decided to reset their roster and incorporate more youth into the team. This focus on talent development is expected to be key to the team's future success.

As training camp progresses, notable basketball figures such as former New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau and Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oats have been observed at Suns' practices. Ott commented on their presence, noting his long-standing relationship with Oats dating back to their time in Michigan and emphasizing the value of their honest feedback and basketball insights.

Suns general manager Brian Gregory praised Ott's leadership, highlighting his unique ability to connect with players confidently without ego, ensuring clear authority while fostering collaboration. Gregory expressed confidence in Ott's coaching abilities and the high-level personnel within the organization.

Despite low expectations for the 2025-26 season, the overall outlook for the Suns' future is optimistic, with excitement building around Ott's plans and the potential for the team to progress under his guidance.