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Economic Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Phoenix Suns hire Jordan Ott as head coach ahead of key offseason moves
Jordan Ott named new Phoenix Suns head coach Extensive coaching search led by GM Brian Gregory Live Events Suns face roster decisions following coaching hire (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The Phoenix Suns have appointed Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott as the franchise's next head coach, according to sources familiar with the decision. Ott, who has served as an assistant in the NBA since 2012, replaces Mike Budenholzer following a 36-46 was among two finalists, alongside fellow Cavaliers assistant Johnnie Bryant, who met with team owner Mat Ishbia, CEO Josh Bartelstein, and general manager Brian Gregory in Michigan earlier this week. Devin Booker, the team's All-Star guard, was reportedly involved in the final stages of the hiring process and supported Ott's read: Cavaliers' Johnnie Bryant and Jordan Ott finalists for Phoenix Suns coaching vacancy The hire marks the Suns' fourth head coaching change in as many seasons. Ott brings a reputation for tactical innovation on both offense and defense, as well as strong communication skills with players and staff. Team officials cited his adaptability and extensive background in video and analytics as key Suns began their coaching search after firing Budenholzer on April 14 and naming Gregory as general manager on May 1. Gregory led a multiround process that began with more than 15 eight coaches advanced to second-round interviews, and six, including Ott, Bryant, Miami's Chris Quinn, Dallas' Sean Sweeney, Oklahoma City's Dave Bliss, and Suns assistant David Fizdale, participated in in-person meetings last selection reflects alignment between Phoenix ownership and front office leadership, with all parties agreeing on the decision during final deliberations. His NBA coaching experience spans several franchises, including Atlanta (2013–16), Brooklyn (2016–22), the Los Angeles Lakers (2022–24), and Cleveland (2024–25).The Cavaliers, who posted an Eastern Conference-best 64 wins in 2024–25, now lose one of their top assistants. The team ranked first in offensive efficiency and eighth in defensive efficiency this season, according to ESPN read: Phoenix Mercury signs former Duquesne guard Megan McConnell to WNBA roster With the head coaching vacancy filled, the Phoenix Suns will shift focus to roster adjustments ahead of the 2025–26 season. The team is expected to engage with All-Star forward Kevin Durant and his business partner, Rich Kleiman of Boardroom, to evaluate potential trade is expected to draw interest from four to six teams during the offseason. His future, along with that of the broader Suns roster, will be key to the team's direction under Ott's began his coaching career as a video coordinator at Michigan State under Tom Izzo from 2008 to 2013 before transitioning to the NBA. He has worked closely with player development staffs throughout his career, contributing to both veteran leadership and the growth of young read: NBA finals preview: Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder - key matchups and predictions The Suns enter the offseason aiming to restructure their roster while stabilizing leadership on the bench. Jordan Ott's appointment is expected to bring continuity and a structured development path for a team seeking consistency and long-term improvement.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Phoenix Suns hire Jordan Ott as head coach ahead of key offseason moves
Jordan Ott named new Phoenix Suns head coach Extensive coaching search led by GM Brian Gregory Live Events Suns face roster decisions following coaching hire (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The Phoenix Suns have appointed Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott as the franchise's next head coach, according to sources familiar with the decision. Ott, who has served as an assistant in the NBA since 2012, replaces Mike Budenholzer following a 36-46 was among two finalists, alongside fellow Cavaliers assistant Johnnie Bryant, who met with team owner Mat Ishbia, CEO Josh Bartelstein, and general manager Brian Gregory in Michigan earlier this week. Devin Booker, the team's All-Star guard, was reportedly involved in the final stages of the hiring process and supported Ott's read: Cavaliers' Johnnie Bryant and Jordan Ott finalists for Phoenix Suns coaching vacancy The hire marks the Suns' fourth head coaching change in as many seasons. Ott brings a reputation for tactical innovation on both offense and defense, as well as strong communication skills with players and staff. Team officials cited his adaptability and extensive background in video and analytics as key Suns began their coaching search after firing Budenholzer on April 14 and naming Gregory as general manager on May 1. Gregory led a multiround process that began with more than 15 eight coaches advanced to second-round interviews, and six, including Ott, Bryant, Miami's Chris Quinn, Dallas' Sean Sweeney, Oklahoma City's Dave Bliss, and Suns assistant David Fizdale, participated in in-person meetings last selection reflects alignment between Phoenix ownership and front office leadership, with all parties agreeing on the decision during final deliberations. His NBA coaching experience spans several franchises, including Atlanta (2013–16), Brooklyn (2016–22), the Los Angeles Lakers (2022–24), and Cleveland (2024–25).The Cavaliers, who posted an Eastern Conference-best 64 wins in 2024–25, now lose one of their top assistants. The team ranked first in offensive efficiency and eighth in defensive efficiency this season, according to ESPN read: Phoenix Mercury signs former Duquesne guard Megan McConnell to WNBA roster With the head coaching vacancy filled, the Phoenix Suns will shift focus to roster adjustments ahead of the 2025–26 season. The team is expected to engage with All-Star forward Kevin Durant and his business partner, Rich Kleiman of Boardroom, to evaluate potential trade is expected to draw interest from four to six teams during the offseason. His future, along with that of the broader Suns roster, will be key to the team's direction under Ott's began his coaching career as a video coordinator at Michigan State under Tom Izzo from 2008 to 2013 before transitioning to the NBA. He has worked closely with player development staffs throughout his career, contributing to both veteran leadership and the growth of young read: NBA finals preview: Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder - key matchups and predictions The Suns enter the offseason aiming to restructure their roster while stabilizing leadership on the bench. Jordan Ott's appointment is expected to bring continuity and a structured development path for a team seeking consistency and long-term improvement.
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Cavaliers' Johnnie Bryant and Jordan Ott finalists for Phoenix Suns coaching vacancy
Phoenix Suns have identified Cleveland Cavaliers' assistants Johnnie Bryant and Jordan Ott as the final two candidates for their head coach opening, according to sources. The Suns plan to meet both finalists later this week in Michigan. The team is concluding a thorough multi-phase process to select its fourth coach in four seasons Cleveland Cavaliers assistants Johnnie Bryant and Jordan Ott are finalists for the Phoenix Suns' head coaching job, per reports Suns narrow head coach search to Cavaliers' Bryant and Ott Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Phoenix Suns have named Cleveland Cavaliers associate coach Johnnie Bryant and assistant Jordan Ott as finalists in their ongoing search for a new head coach, according to sources reported by ESPN on Monday, June and Ott are scheduled to meet with Suns owner Mat Ishbia, CEO Josh Bartelstein, and general manager Brian Gregory later this week in Michigan. The Suns initiated the search after dismissing Mike Budenholzer on April 14. Gregory, named general manager on May 1, has overseen a multi-stage interview process that began with over 15 read: New York Knicks dismiss Tom Thibodeau after five seasons as head coach After initial interviews, eight candidates were invited to second-round meetings. Six individuals, Bryant, Ott, Chris Quinn (Miami Heat), Sean Sweeney (Dallas Mavericks), Dave Bliss (Oklahoma City Thunder), and Suns assistant David Fizdale, advanced to in-person sessions with team executives last say Suns guard Devin Booker has participated in the final stages of the decision-making process over the past 10 days. The organization has been deliberate in its approach, maintaining the NBA's only active coaching vacancy for several Bryant and Ott joined the Cleveland Cavaliers last offseason as part of head coach Kenny Atkinson's staff. Under their guidance, the Cavaliers posted an Eastern Conference-best 64 wins and led the league in offensive efficiency while ranking eighth in defensive efficiency, according to ESPN previously served as an assistant with the Utah Jazz (2012–2020) and New York Knicks (2020–2024). He played collegiate basketball at the University of Utah from 2005 to coaching career includes roles with the Atlanta Hawks (2013–2016), Brooklyn Nets (2016–2022), and Los Angeles Lakers (2022–2024). Before joining the NBA, he worked as a video coordinator under coach Tom Izzo at Michigan State University from 2008 to Suns finished the 2024–25 NBA season with a 36–46 record and will be appointing their fourth head coach in as many seasons.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Cavaliers' Johnnie Bryant and Jordan Ott finalists for Phoenix Suns coaching vacancy
Phoenix Suns have identified Cleveland Cavaliers' assistants Johnnie Bryant and Jordan Ott as the final two candidates for their head coach opening, according to sources. The Suns plan to meet both finalists later this week in Michigan. The team is concluding a thorough multi-phase process to select its fourth coach in four seasons Cleveland Cavaliers assistants Johnnie Bryant and Jordan Ott are finalists for the Phoenix Suns' head coaching job, per reports Suns narrow head coach search to Cavaliers' Bryant and Ott Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Phoenix Suns have named Cleveland Cavaliers associate coach Johnnie Bryant and assistant Jordan Ott as finalists in their ongoing search for a new head coach, according to sources reported by ESPN on Monday, June and Ott are scheduled to meet with Suns owner Mat Ishbia, CEO Josh Bartelstein, and general manager Brian Gregory later this week in Michigan. The Suns initiated the search after dismissing Mike Budenholzer on April 14. Gregory, named general manager on May 1, has overseen a multi-stage interview process that began with over 15 read: New York Knicks dismiss Tom Thibodeau after five seasons as head coach After initial interviews, eight candidates were invited to second-round meetings. Six individuals, Bryant, Ott, Chris Quinn (Miami Heat), Sean Sweeney (Dallas Mavericks), Dave Bliss (Oklahoma City Thunder), and Suns assistant David Fizdale, advanced to in-person sessions with team executives last say Suns guard Devin Booker has participated in the final stages of the decision-making process over the past 10 days. The organization has been deliberate in its approach, maintaining the NBA's only active coaching vacancy for several Bryant and Ott joined the Cleveland Cavaliers last offseason as part of head coach Kenny Atkinson's staff. Under their guidance, the Cavaliers posted an Eastern Conference-best 64 wins and led the league in offensive efficiency while ranking eighth in defensive efficiency, according to ESPN previously served as an assistant with the Utah Jazz (2012–2020) and New York Knicks (2020–2024). He played collegiate basketball at the University of Utah from 2005 to coaching career includes roles with the Atlanta Hawks (2013–2016), Brooklyn Nets (2016–2022), and Los Angeles Lakers (2022–2024). Before joining the NBA, he worked as a video coordinator under coach Tom Izzo at Michigan State University from 2008 to Suns finished the 2024–25 NBA season with a 36–46 record and will be appointing their fourth head coach in as many seasons.
New York Post
4 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Ex-Knicks associate coach Johnnie Bryant a finalist for Suns job
The Suns' coaching search is down to a pair of Cavs. Former Knicks associate coach Johnnie Bryant is a finalist for Phoenix's head coaching job, and Cleveland's associate head coach is joined by Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott, ESPN insider Chams Charania reported Monday. Bryant spent four seasons in New York from the 2020-21 season through the 2023-24 season. He spent the first six seasons of his coaching career as an assistant with the Jazz. Advertisement 3 Former Knicks associate coach Johnnie Bryant has been named a finalist for the Suns head coach vacancy. Getty Images Now, he'll meet with Suns owner Mat Ishbia, CEO Josh Bartelstein and general manager Brian Gregory in Michigan with a hiring potentially coming as soon as this week. Bryant just concluded his 11th season in the NBA coaching ranks, helping the Cavs to an Eastern Conference-best record of 64-18. They ranked first in offensive efficiency and eighth in defensive efficiency this year with Bryant, 39, and head coach Kenny Atkinson running the show. Advertisement Despite the massive expectations, Cleveland surprisingly fell in the semifinals to the Pacers in six games. Both Bryant and Ott arrived in Cleveland in the summer of 2024 as two of Coach of the Year Atkinson's first hires. 3 Associate Head Coach Johnnie Bryant of the New York Knicks speaks with head coach Tom Thibodeau during the second quarter of the game against the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden on March 29, 2023 in New York City. Getty Images Since the Suns fired Mike Budenholzer in April and hired Gregory as the new GM in May, the franchise has been on a hunt for their next head coach — their fourth new coach in the last seven years after finishing with a 36-46 record this season. Advertisement Gregory has led the process, starting with over 15 interviews before moving on to six second-round conversations with Bryant, Ott, Miami's Chris Quinn, Dallas' Sean Sweeney, Oklahoma City's Dave Bliss and current staff member and former Knicks head coach David Fizdale. The process moved into in-person visits last week. 3 Pacers' associate head coach Johnnie Bryant and Assistant Coach Jordan Ott looks on during the game against the Indiana Pacers during Round 2 Game 3 on May 9, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. NBAE via Getty Images The hiring process does not have to be rushed for the Suns, as they are the prime head coaching vacancy this offseason.
