Suns new coach Jordan Ott explains how he plans to prove his talent
Phoenix Suns news head coach Jordan Ott talks about his philosophy and general manager Brian Gregory speaks to why they chose Ott.
The Suns hold the 29th and 52nd picks in the upcoming NBA Draft.Ott is in the process of assembling his coaching staff.
The Phoenix Suns have a new head coach but still have plenty on their checklist.
Jordan Ott had his introductory press conference Tuesday, June 10, at the team’s practice facility. The former Cleveland Cavaliers assistant will be Phoenix’s fourth head coach in four seasons, as this is Ott’s first opportunity to lead an NBA team.
“Whoa, what a day,” Ott said to begin his opening remarks, having agreed to a four-year deal. “Really, what a week if I’m being honest. Just a whirlwind and how truly special this is for me and my family.”
What’s next?
Kevin Durant trade?
ESPN’s Shams Charania is reporting the Suns and Kevin Durant’s business partner, Boardroom CEO Rich Kleiman, are going over trade scenarios regarding the superstar forward.
The Suns entertained offers for Durant right before the 2025 trade deadline. The Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves, San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat have been the most consistent teams mentioned in trade talks, but one should expect more squads to explore the Durant trade waters.
Suns general manager Brian Gregory was asked Tuesday about moving forward without Durant, noting Ott was an assistant with the Brooklyn Nets during most of Durant’s time there.
“We look at all of our players,” Gregory said. “Jordan and I have talked about it. Jordan has obviously thought the world of Kevin. (Ott) has a great relationship with Kevin, coached him, the whole bit.”
Gregory declined to address what he called “contract negotiations” involving players, but added, “It’s something that, in terms of building our team and so forth, we’re always talking about building our team.”
Here’s the bigger question when it comes to how all of this will unfold: Are the Suns going to trade Durant somewhere he wants to go, or trade him for the best package?
NBA Draft
The Suns have the 29th overall pick in the first round and 52nd overall pick in the second round of the June 25-26 NBA Draft in Brooklyn.
They’ve been conducting pre-draft workouts as Michigan big Danny Wolf, Missouri guard Caleb Grill and Alabama forward Grant Nelson participated in workouts.
Draft expert Jonathan Wasserman has the Nets taking Wolf with the 27th overall pick and the Suns choosing guard Ben Saraf out of Israel two picks later. Writing for Bleacher Report, Wasserman predicts the Suns will use their second-round selection to nab Villanova forward Eric Dixon.
Ott said he’s seen “a couple” of Suns draft workouts that usually involve six players. He referenced “high character” when describing what he seeks when evaluating draft talent.
“You have to trust that player is going to do exactly what they say or it doesn’t work,” Ott said. “So, having high character is very important to me and important to us. The other piece is having great professional habits. Again, coming back to the work. Showing up on time. Treating people with respect. Knowing there’s something bigger than just yourself.”
The Suns may very well be in a different draft position as the result of a trade. CBS Sports has the Suns selecting Auburn big Johni Broome in the first round in its mock draft.
Chaisson Allen is standing with Ryan Dunn, Royce O’Neale and Oso Ighodaro.
Suns assistant under Mike Budenholzer this past season.
When Jordan Ott was an assistant in Brooklyn under Steve Nash in 2020-21, Allen served an assistant for its G League team, Long Island Nets. #Suns https://t.co/LZNmjB3dUe
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) June 11, 2025Coaching staff
Ott once again referenced “high character” when explaining the qualities he desires in his coaching staff.
“You want your staff to be high character and high care,” Ott said. “So, who they are as people. Loyal. Trustworthy. Then do they do the work? If we can consistently find that in our staff, we’re in good shape.”
He continued by acknowledging how change can impact coaches on the previous staff. Ott was part of the Los Angeles Lakers staff when Darvin Ham was let go after two seasons (2022-24).
“So, we’re going to take our time, we’re going to fill this thing out right, again, to help our group, to help our players and make sure we’re all on the same page,” Ott said. “We will be building our staff throughout the month.”
Chaisson Allen and Schuyler Rimmer attended Ott’s introductory press conference. Sources informed The Arizona Republic last month that the Suns kept Budenholzer’s assistants as they’re under contract.
Allen was hanging out with Suns players Ryan Dunn, Royce O’Neale and Oso Ighodaro after Tuesday’s press conference. When Ott was an assistant for the Brooklyn Nets under Steve Nash in 2020-21, Allen served an assistant for their G League team, Long Island Nets.
Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.
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