Phoenix Suns introduce new head coach Jordan Ott, as he lays out plans for future

Ott’s full introductory press conference with Suns:

Ott discussed his coaching philosophy offensively and defensively. “Pace” is the buzzword that people around the league use, but Ott defined it by stating he wants the team to play early in the shot clock, getting extra possessions, and being connected with one another. Suns need to “move bodies” and cut to adapt to the modern playstyle.

Phoenix’s defense last year struggled with the lack of effort, a point of emphasis that Ott plans to fix when taking the mantle. The former seven-year NBA assistant wants his team to be “aggressive” and compared his style to the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder, the two teams currently fighting for an NBA championship.

However, Ott’s key point to fix the defense is communication, highlighting how random and hectic opposing offenses are becoming and needing to be connected to counteract.

When questioned about his ties to owner Mat Ishbia and general manager Brian Gregory’s Alma Mater Michigan State, Ott deflected by recalling his 20-year experience around the game of basketball. Ott started his career as a video coordinator with Michigan State and slowly rose the ranks for the past two decades to earn this opportunity.

Ott has received praise from the players, with Devin Booker reportedly “stamping” him to be the next head coach. Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro were present at the press conference to show support for their new head coach. Gregory had high praise for Ott, as when he asked around the league for the qualities of what makes a head coach in this league, Ott filled all those boxes.

Ott recalled a pre-draft story with Devin Booker in 2015, where the four-time All-Star showcased his intense work ethic as a young prospect. The superstar rise that the 28-year-old has been able to make is no surprise for Ott and is excited to work with him in his current state.

During his opening press conference, Ott was straight-forward, well-spoken and had palatable passion for getting the job with the Suns. Phoenix has tried back-to-back years of hiring seasoned NBA coaches to turn the ship around to limited success. In his first professional head coaching gig, Ott will have much on his plate to try and raise the Suns back to the standards it set in 2021.