Suns hire Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott as head coach, AP source says
PHOENIX (AP) — The Phoenix Suns hired Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott as their head coach, opting for a young, emerging leader to rebuild a franchise that has regressed over the past few seasons, a person familiar with the search told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the hire hasn't officially been announced.
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Ott will be the team's fourth head coach in four seasons and replaces Mike Budenholzer, who was fired following a miserable 36-46 season that ended without a trip to the playoffs despite the high-priced trio of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.
The 40-year-old Ott has worked for the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers and the Cavaliers. He also worked as a video coordinator under Tom Izzo at Michigan State, which is where Suns owner Mat Ishbia played as a walk-on from 1999 to 2003.
It remains to be seen if Durant or Beal will be on next season's roster — both could be moved in trades. Booker seems like the only player on the roster who is truly untouchable after 10 seasons in the desert, including four All-Star appearances.
Ott and fellow Cavs assistant Johnnie Bryant were the two finalists for the job. Ishbia and general manager Brian Gregory led a lengthy, deliberate search that lasted 1 1/2 months and included more than a dozen candidates.
ESPN first reported the hiring.
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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/nba
David Brandt, The Associated Press
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Fox Sports
8 minutes ago
- Fox Sports
Brothers bring boxing back to Fenway after 70 years and hope to revitalize the sport in Boston
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11 minutes ago
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Lindor was questionable to play at all this weekend after his right pinky toe was broken by a pitch in the first inning on Wednesday. Alonso also added a two-run double in the seventh on a night the Mets were 2 of 15 with runners in scoring position. Ryne Stanek (2-4) pitched out of a no-out, bases loaded jam in the eighth courtesy of an unassisted double play by Brett Baty at third and a strikeout. Edwin Díaz turned in a perfect ninth for his 14th save. _____
Boston Globe
13 minutes ago
- Boston Globe
Walker Buehler's early exit only added more stress to a stressful situation
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