Jordan Ott’s “tremendous” evaluation has the Suns GM dreaming big

People around the NBA were skeptical when he The Phoenix Suns signed Jordan Ott to be the next head coach of the franchise. However, general manager Brian Gregory knew exactly who he was getting.

He touched on it during Otto’s inaugural press conference, and he did the same during Wednesday’s media availability. Gregory spoke to the media after the All-Star break as well as the NBA trade deadline.

Phoenix made just one roster move, trading Nigel Hayes-Davies and Nick Richards for Amir Coffey and Cole Anthony. Despite those moves, more people are focused on how well the Suns have played this season.

But as the players suggested, so did Gregory he declared himself via Shane Young on X (formerly Twitter), all courtesy of Otto.

“Coach Ott has done a tremendous job,” the Suns general manager said. He has created an environment where our guys are allowed and allowed to become the best version of themselves. Not just as players, but as men. And that’s critical, that’s something very important for us. He trains hard every day and holds the guys accountable.

But he’s built great relationships with all of our players, which I think you see on the field, and you see with the camaraderie among the team. All of those things were very critical for us to get to this point. Another thing is that you lose sight of all the other people who are also working. His assistants did an excellent job.

Their relationship, their ability to encourage the players, their ability to encourage the players and have the communication pieces with the players to help them get through the rough patches and all those kinds of things are very, very important.”

Jordan Ott has the full support of Suns GM Brian Gregory

Through the dozens and dozens of candidates the Phoenix searched for, they knew Ott was ideal. After all, he was in the running for the Charlotte Hornets head coaching job that was taken over by now head coach Charles Lee.

Patience is a virtue, though, and it opened a big floodgate for the first-year coach to get his chance. For a team that won 36 games with three perennial superstar players, the Suns almost tied it before the second half of the season.

However, it’s not just the wins that matter. It is the collective support of everyone within the organization. When a player like Devin Booker speaks highly of Ottopeople are listening.

He’s not the only one, as players like Dillon Brooks and Colin Gillespie see Ott as a true student of the game and someone with such high basketball acumen.

Confession is good, but where is the proof?

Judging by the fact that he allowed the fifth fewest points per game and boasted the 11th best defensive rating, the identity is clear. The offense may not be where people want it. However, there are nuances to this.

Jaylen Green has been sidelined for most of the season and is starting to find his way back. With everyone healthy, the team’s potential is there.

The evidence is there, from the start of the season until just before the break. There is a trust between Otto and his players, even if it might be uncomfortable to hear at times.

The final stretch of the season begins on Thursday, and if Ott can continue his momentum, then Gregory will prove everyone wrong with his selection as the Suns’ head coach.