Suns Devin Booker 'stamped' Jordan Ott to be next head coach

Charania on Booker approving Ott’s hiring:

“Team officials focused in recent weeks on Ott and Bryant, who joined the Cavaliers last summer as Coach of the Year Kenny Atkinson’s first hires, and ownership and the front office aligned on the hiring of Ott on Wednesday. Suns franchise cornerstone Devin Booker was involved in the search process during the final stages and stamped Ott as his top choice as well, sources said.”

Getting the approval and trust from the franchise cornerstone will give Ott the confidence heading into his new environment. Ott will be Booker’s eighth head coach he’s played under since joining the Suns in 2015. The 28-year-old has never had a coach longer than three seasons, with Monty Williams being the longest tenured coach from 2020-2023.

The four-time All-Star hasn’t had a long-term coach in his career, and the hope is Ott can break that curse. Ott is the fourth head coach in four years for Phoenix and is looked to be a culture changer for the franchise. Ishbia wanted the next head coach to represent the Valley and the people within.

However, with the hiring of Gregory and Ott, maybe the place that represents Phoenix is East Lansing, Michigan, according to Ishiba and Booker. Both are Michigan natives and could respond better with a coach who grew his coaching roots in their home state. The Suns offseason is just beginning and is expected to be busy with multiple All-Stars traded, but for now, the franchise can celebrate hiring its new head coach.