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PHNX Daily: Jordan Ott’s Hiring Creates Skeptics As Suns Look To Build New Culture

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Jordan Ott

Happy Thursday! Get that A/C ready, because it sure looks like it’s heating up this weekend! Had a nice run of cool weather, though.

I’ll get to Jordan Ott in a minute, but first, a quick housekeeping item — don’t forget to join us at Chase Field on July 3 for our pool party takeover from 5:30 – 10 pm! Take in the D-backs/Giants game while relaxing at the pool, all while enjoying complimentary food and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the game. Diehards save 60 bucks, so don’t miss out — I sure hope we see you there!

On to the show!

Jordan Ott was hired as the Suns' next head coach

Feb 25, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy (left) and Jordan Ott against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Brian Gregory is already raising eyebrows.

The Suns’ new general manager created quite a buzz yesterday after it was reported the team hired Cleveland assistant coach Jordan Ott as its next head coach — its fourth in as many seasons following the departures of Monty Williams, Frank Vogel and Mike Budenholzer.

We Ott to know (sorry, couldn’t help myself) a year from now whether the move was brilliant, or yet another front office misstep.

Jordan Ott is Wildly Qualified, but Some Question His MSU Ties

Jordan Ott’s hiring would likely be universally praised, but his connections to Michigan State University have some fans already crying foul on social media.

After all, owner Mat Ishbia and Gregory were both Spartans, so the mere mention of Ott’s name already sent fans and some pundits into a tizzy. It’s easy to understand the rationale behind the uproar, but the underlying logic behind Gregory’s decision is sound.

The 40-year-old Ott has never been a head coach before, but the Suns had ruled out any candidate with head coaching experience weeks ago. In the end, the search came down to two names, and both were with the Cavs: Jordan Ott and Johnnie Bryant.

His credentials are strong, to say the least.

Ott was just part of a staff that helped the Cavs to the second-best record in the league (64-18)

He has acted in either an NBA video coordinator or coaching role since 2013

Ott spent time with the Hawks, Nets and Lakers before joining the Cavs.

He was a video coordinator for the MSU men’s basketball team from 2008-2013

My Take: There was no “slam-dunk” hire for this position, at least not with any of the candidates Gregory and Co. were interviewing. I know I may be a little too forgiving, but I don’t subscribe to the logic that Gregory and Ishbia stacked the deck to bring in one of their college buddies, especially since Ott’s time as a Spartan did not overlap Ishbia or Gregory.

It’s certainly possible the new coach’s philosophies aligned with Gregory and Ishbia, but …. shouldn’t they, considering all three either played for, or coached with, Tom Izzo? I would hope so. Look, I grew up a Wolverines fan, so believe me, I’d jump all over this hire if I believed it was some sort of strange university-nepotism hire 😆 I just don’t see it here.

If anyone has anything to prove, it’s Gregory, and his first major hire as GM may just define his legacy as general manager.

Take a Deeper Dive: Gerald may be on paternity leave, but he still took some time out to give you all you need to know about Jordan Ott. Check it out!

Three Straight!: The D-backs have won three straight games for the first time since April 15-17, defeating the Braves 2-1 in Atlanta yesterday. Arizona has an opportunity to complete the three-game sweep tomorrow (9:15 am AZ time), and a win would also put them back at the .500 mark for the first time in a week.

No Stopping Him:Wildcats closer Tony Pluta was named a finalist for the NCBWA Stopper of the Year award, given annually to the top Division I relief pitcher in the NCAA. The junior right-hander recorded 13 saves this season, which tied a school single-season record, led the Big 12, and is tied for seventh nationally.

Powering Through: The ASU women’s swimming and diving team was selected to compete in the inaugural Power 4 Dual Meet Challenge, a unique event created by the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA). The event will take place at the University of Tennessee from Nov. 21-23, and the Sun Devils will join powerhouses Tennessee, Michigan and Virginia at the inaugural dual meet.

The four teams will compete in a double-elimination, bracket-style format, and each team is guaranteed three meets.

It’s a Little Drafty: Make sure to check out the NBA Diehard Draft Guide — Led by ALLCITY draft analysts Derek Bodner of PHLY and Will Gottlieb of CHGO, this guide is your one-stop-shop as teams across the league gear up to reshape their rosters