Jalen Green Jordan Ott takes center stage after the All-Star break

Part of the post-All-Star break Phoenix Suns starts on thursday. But before any in-game action takes place, I went ahead and answered some questions regarding the remaining 27 games.

Does the Suns’ Jordan Ott have a case for NBA Coach of the Year?

I may have pushed this story a bit too far, but it’s not due to outright bias. Most of it comes from work, how players reacted and adjustments made to fix bugs.

The first three games of the season showed concern, although there were clear stars. Playing back-to-back games in Denver and then flying to Phoenix was not easy.

Defense has been a major issue, as they have allowed 129, 133 and 138 points in their first three losses, respectively. As soon as that happened, it felt like everyone was on the same page.

Lots of hitting streaks, and eventually bragging rights, allowing the fifth fewest points per game. Other than Dillon Brooks, they don’t have an All-NBA defender on the roster.

Relentless ball pressure, constant communication and a high basketball acumen are constant. However, a lot of it comes from trust, and that’s something he stresses.

Even Suns general manager Brian Gregory gave Ott a huge rating during the All-Star break. Not to mention, they’re easily the biggest surprise, and that could push him over the edge of guys like JB Bickerstaff and Mark Daigenault.

The background of the season will show how close he is to winning the award. If it plays out like the first half of the season, Ott can lose.

As you can see Jalen GreenIs the man’s role progressing or regressing in the latter part of the season?

This question will certainly interest many. Playing just seven games is cause for concern, but his return has come at the right time.

It was right before the All-Star break, which gave him time to adjust physically. Given that he’s a bona fide athlete and slasher, locking down the mental side was a must.

Greene even mentioned feeling “close to 100%” after Daniel Gafford’s dunk attempt against the Dallas Mavericks. It’s all about him being ready to go.

But again, the question is: what will his role be?

As evidenced by his time on the floor, and according to head coach Jordan Ott, he will lead the second unit when the starters come out.

Green’s dynamic scoring and playmaking add a layer to a messy and defensively sound group. He will still be with the starters if the game gets tight.

The yin and yang effect between him and Devin Booker is too good to ignore. He’s also another scorer to worry about if you’re on defense. The more offensive weapons on the floor, the better.

when the time is right, Green’s confidence in his body will translate to what works on the field. And in due time, he’ll operate with anyone, but he’ll be the secondary (and maybe primary) shot that Suns fans have been hoping for.

What is the most mentally draining part of an NBA player that fans never see?

I can’t speak for the players because I’m not around them 24 hours a day. But when I’m around them, it’s pretty impressive. They are always working, practicing and doing everything they can to be even 0.0001% better than they were.

A lot of the things I see come down to situations during the game. Whether it’s late or simply learning how to work in isolation, there’s an answer for every situation.

Also, players often stay after practice for extra work. Devin Booker, rookie Rusher Fleming and Mark Williams are just a few of those examples.

Some of it also deals with the media. I like to think we’re relatively fair, but it can be exhausting to hear some of the same things asked over and over again.

For example, when Dillon Brooks picked up his 16th technical foul for the Suns, the media had to ask burning questions. Fortunately, a relationship of trust is the key.

The players know that we have a job to do and not attack directly or try to insinuate something. It might turn out that way, but most of the time it’s not.

Being there all the time, not being afraid to ask the tough questions, while still treating them as human beings with feelings and perspective, is what has helped me walk that fine line as carefully as I do.