PHOENIX – The hiring of Jordan Ott to be the Phoenix Suns next head coach has been met with skepticism from fans. His ties with owner Mat Ishbia’s former school Michigan State, has given fans the perception that Ott didn’t deserve the job. However, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, superstar shooting guard Devin Booker approved the Ott hiring and “stamped him to be the next head coach.
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Apr 25, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guards Devin Booker (1) smiles after a shot against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half in game five of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Charania on Booker approving Ott’s hiring:
“Team officials focused in recent weeks on Ott and Bryant, who joined the Cavaliers last summer as Coach of the Year Kenny Atkinson’s first hires, and ownership and the front office aligned on the hiring of Ott on Wednesday. Suns franchise cornerstone Devin Booker was involved in the search process during the final stages and stamped Ott as his top choice as well, sources said.”
Aug 12, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Brooklyn Nets Summer League head coach Jordan Ott reacts during a game against the Washington Wizards at Cox Pavillion. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Getting the approval and trust from the franchise cornerstone will give Ott the confidence heading into his new environment. Ott will be Booker’s eighth head coach he’s played under since joining the Suns in 2015. The 28-year-old has never had a coach longer than three seasons, with Monty Williams being the longest tenured coach from 2020-2023.
The four-time All-Star hasn’t had a long-term coach in his career, and the hope is Ott can break that curse. Ott is the fourth head coach in four years for Phoenix and is looked to be a culture changer for the franchise. Ishbia wanted the next head coach to represent the Valley and the people within.
Feb 25, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Jordan Ott against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
However, with the hiring of Gregory and Ott, maybe the place that represents Phoenix is East Lansing, Michigan, according to Ishiba and Booker. Both are Michigan natives and could respond better with a coach who grew his coaching roots in their home state. The Suns offseason is just beginning and is expected to be busy with multiple All-Stars traded, but for now, the franchise can celebrate hiring its new head coach.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
