The Phoenix Suns have been one of the NBA's biggest surprises this season, and their head coach is drawing praise.
The Suns (22-15) are seventh in the Western Conference and have won seven of their past 10 games. Head coach Jordan Ott, who's in his first season, is turning heads around the league.
"The Suns hit big on Jordan Ott as their long-term answer at head coach," Forbes NBA insider Evan Sidery said.
The Suns have cycled through coaches in recent years. Phoenix fired Monty Williams after the 2023 season, then later dismissed Frank Vogel and Mike Budenholzer after a pair of one-year stints.
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But Phoenix appears to have found a gem in Ott, who spent nine years as an assistant in the league before becoming a head coach. He worked for the Nets (2016-22), Lakers (2023-24) and Cavaliers (2024-25). He's orchestrated an impressive turnaround with the Suns, who missed the playoffs last season.
"Ott has helped improve Phoenix from 27th in defensive rating to 9th so far this season. Phoenix’s net rating also jumped from 23rd to 11th. The inconsistent Cavaliers are feeling the loss of Ott as well."
Ott never played college basketball, instead serving as a manager for the Penn State Nittany Lions and Michigan State Spartans. He had a connection to Suns Governor Matt Ishbia, who played for the Spartans.
The Suns blew out the Grizzlies 117-98 on Wednesday. They're No. 10 in the league in point differential (+2.4). Phoenix returns to action Friday against the New York Knicks.
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