Suns Hire WHO?! The Ott Hiring That's Got Everyone Scratching Their Heads

Jordan Ott Hiring Strengthens Questions on Suns’ Decision-Making Tree

The Phoenix Suns have made a surprising move, appointing former Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott as their new head coach. While Ott's resume showcases a promising trajectory, the hiring has inevitably reignited questions surrounding the Suns' decision-making process, particularly under the relatively new ownership of Mat Ishbia and General Manager Brian Gregory.

Ott's arrival comes after a period of instability, with the Suns struggling to find the right formula for success despite boasting a star-studded roster. This context amplifies the scrutiny surrounding his appointment.

One of the primary concerns stems from the perceived influence of personal connections in the Suns' front office. Ishbia's decision to promote Brian Gregory, despite Gregory's limited NBA experience, has raised eyebrows. The connection between Ishbia and Gregory, both with roots at Michigan State, has fueled speculation about a potential bias in the team's strategic direction.

This has led to whispers and concerns. Will this lead to more MSU connections?

Ishbia himself acknowledged his hands-on approach in a letter to the basketball operations staff, stating that the Suns will "do things very differently than most other NBA franchises." He emphasized his active involvement in decision-making, moving away from the conventional model of relying solely on experts.

In his letter, Ishbia states:

“Let me start with the most important point – the Phoenix Suns will do things very differently than most other NBA franchises."

“I will be extremely active in the decisions and management of this organization, on and off the floor... I’m aware that this approach is different from most other NBA franchises. I’m not the conventional NBA owner and I don’t want to be. I’ve tried running the typical NBA owner playbook – hiring the experts, signing the checks, and getting out of the way – and none of us were happy with the outcome."

While Ishbia's proactive stance may be seen as a desire for greater accountability, it also raises concerns about potential overreach and a lack of diverse perspectives within the decision-making process.

The fear is that Ishbia and Gregory are not equipped to make basketball decisions without an obvious lean toward a certain style of thinking.

However, it's important to note that Ott's credentials extend beyond any potential Michigan State connection. He was a finalist for the Charlotte Hornets head coaching job last summer, indicating that other organizations recognize his potential. Ott's journey through the NBA has included:

• Video coordinator role with the Atlanta Hawks under Mike Budenholzer
• Assistant coach with the Brooklyn Nets, including a stint as Steve Nash's "offensive coordinator"
• Assistant coach with the Los Angeles Lakers
• Rejoining Kenny Atkinson in Cleveland

Ott's background is heavily rooted in player development, an area where Gregory has also focused. His work with Cleveland Cavaliers All-NBA honoree Evan Mobley highlights his ability to nurture young talent.

Despite his experience, Ott faces a significant challenge in Phoenix. He must succeed where two far more experienced head coaches, Budenholzer and Frank Vogel, failed. The immediate priorities include:

• Establishing a recognizable style of play.
• Accentuating the roster.
• Connecting with Devin Booker to maximize his performance. Booker was reportedly involved in the interview process and favored Ott.

The situation is further complicated by uncertainties surrounding the Suns' roster. Potential departures of key players like Kevin Durant leave Ott facing the prospect of working with a younger and potentially more athletic team.

Adding another layer of intrigue to this situation is the dynamic between Mat Ishbia and Dan Gilbert, owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers. The two mortgage titans are known rivals. The fact that Ott came from the Cavaliers adds another layer of speculation.

Ultimately, the success of Ott's tenure will depend on his ability to navigate these complex dynamics, establish a clear vision for the team, and foster a winning culture. While the questions surrounding the Suns' decision-making process linger, Ott has the opportunity to prove his worth and silence the doubters. It's a high-pressure situation, but one that could define his coaching career.

Source: https://arizonasports.com/nba/phoenix-suns/jordan-ott-suns-coach/3584285/