The Phoenix Suns are an interesting team to watch during this NBA offseason. Kevin Durant is almost guaranteed to move on from the franchise, he nearly left at the trade deadline.
With Devin Booker remaining as the franchise cornerstone, they have a few big decisions to make.
Not the least of which is appointing a new head coach, following the firing of Mike Budenholzer.
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Despite being a championship-winning coach, Budenholzer had reportedly lost the locker room and the confidence of his stars. And the search has reportedly been narrowed down to two names.
The Phoenix Suns have narrowed their head coaching search to two finalists from the Cleveland Cavaliers, associate coach Johnnie Bryant and assistant Jordan Ott, sources tell ESPN," Shams Charania reported. "Both will meet with Suns owner Mat Ishbia in Michigan ahead of a hiring as soon as later this week."
Suns owner Mat Ishbia has been highly motivated to build a championship team since he took over. The next head coach will surely be someone with a vision that can get stars like Booker and Beal to buy in, while also providing input on the roster that is to be built around them.
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Johnnie Bryant was an assistant head coach with the Jazz from 2014-2020. He then worked as an associate HC with the Knicks from 2020-24. He served in the same role for Cleveland last season.
Jordan Ott was video coordinator for the Hawks from 2013-16. He spent the next six seasons as an assistant HC in Brooklyn, before doing the same role with the Lakers and Cavaliers. Both coaches are young, and it will be interesting to see what decision Ishbia makes.
Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy (left) and Jordan Ott against the Phoenix Suns.
Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy (left) and Jordan Ott against the Phoenix Suns. / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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