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Phoenix Suns HC Ott adds 15-year assistant coach to staff

Originally posted on Burn City Sports
By Tanner Tortorella | Last updated Jul 10, 2025 3:32 PM ET

New Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott spoke during his introductory press conference on how he’ll be building his staff throughout the offseason. Ott has added DeMarre Carroll and Brian Randle already to his staff, and according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, he’s adding a 15+ year coaching veteran. Orlando Magic assistant coach Jesse Mermuys will be joining Ott in Phoenix to be one of his top assistants.

Charania on Suns adding Mermuys:

The Phoenix Suns are hiring Orlando Magic assistant Jesse Mermuys as a top assistant coach on Jordan Ott's staff, sources tell ESPN. Critical hire for Ott to lure a lead assistant from a well-respected Magic staff.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 10, 2025

Mermuys first started in the NBA as a scout with the Denver Nuggets in 2010. The 44-year-old developed into an assistant coach with the franchise, and then went to the Toronto Raptors for a bigger role. However, during his coaching career, Mermuys didn’t stay in one place for too long, spending two years with his first four teams: the Nuggets, Raptors, Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings.

In 2021, Mermuys moved to Orlando to be an assistant under Steve Clifford and then Jamal Mosley. With the Magic, it became his longest tenured coaching job, staying for four years. The team went from loitering in the lottery to making a serious push for a top-6 seed in the playoffs last season. Mermuys is experienced NBA coach and will be a great addition for Ott in his first head coaching position.

This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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