The Phoenix Suns have taken the first step towards trying to be contenders again this offseason, by going with a first time head coach in Jordan Ott to hopefully lead the franchise to better days. A hiring that got the approval of Devin Booker before it was made official, although the fact he has ties to Michigan State - like owner Mat Ishbia and General Manager Brian Gregory - is worth noting.
The hiring of Ott also came at an important time for the Suns, as the firing of Tom Thibodeau from the New York Knicks meant their other finalist for the job in Johnnie Bryant could have had his head turned given his links to that team. The Suns had to get Ott signed, and the former Cleveland Cavaliers assistant comes to The Valley with some high praise from other coaches.
Some surprise names could yet fill out Ott's bench.
There have already been murmurs of two individuals who will join Ott in Phoenix next season, both surprising for different reasons. Before delving into those two however, what about Thibodeau himself? He clearly loves the game and it's not like he flamed out badly in New York. If anything the experience of building a contender there is exactly what the Suns need to have on board.
There's also a lot of sense in surrounding Ott with veteran coaches - which is what the Los Angeles Lakers did with JJ Redick last season - which is another reason to actually consider Thibodeau. It is also why the second name on this list will be a surprise, but actually makes sense when you think about it. That assistant is none other than David Fizdale.
Tom Thibodeau hugs Suns assistant David Fizdale postgame pic.twitter.com/EFRqDid2lQ
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) April 7, 2025
We know what you're thinking, Fizdale was part of the last two disastrous coaching staffs, and the Suns need to move into a new era. That's all true, only the strength of the relationship he has with some of the key players in Phoenix helped him navigate at least the first couple of rounds of the interview process for the top job here.
A role Fizdale never should have been given, but it speaks volumes that the Suns didn't do the right thing in letting him interview, before cutting him from selection entirely at the first chance. Fizdale has also seen where both Frank Vogel and Mike Budenholzer went wrong in the past, and that is valuable information for Ott to have.
Bucks assistant Darvin Ham on new Suns head coach Jordan Ott, who was Ham's assistant with the Los Angeles Lakers: “You can talk about winning and getting to the playoffs and championships, but OK, how does that look in September, October, whatever is left of the summer? (The… pic.twitter.com/JSP3uhoHis
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) June 9, 2025
Going in the other direction entirely, and DeMarre Carroll is another name to monitor here. The former player was with Ott in Cleveland this year - also as an assistant - and it would make sense for the first time head coach to build at least part of his staff with guys he is comfortable and familiar with. Carroll would tick both of those boxes, a sounding board for the inevitable rocky moments ahead.
Of the three names mentioned here, Thibodeau is obviously the least likely at this moment. But to blend old and new together - and to know Booker both endorsed Ott's hiring and is a fan of Fizdale - is important as the Suns look to get back to winning ways. Carroll is only 38-years-old, and could also act as a go-between with the players and coaching staff too. This feels like the right combo.