The Phoenix Suns have a busy offseason ahead of them as they are expected to make some major changes to their roster after their disappointing season.
Phoenix finished the season 11th in the Western Conference with an abysmal 36-46 record that resulted in them missing the playoffs for the first time since the 2019-20 campaign.
Because of this, change is likely inevitable for the Suns’ roster this summer as they are expected to move on from both Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal to rebuild around Devin Booker.
Phoenix Suns stars Devin Booker (1), Bradley Beal (3) and Kevin Durant (35)
Phoenix Suns stars Devin Booker (1), Bradley Beal (3) and Kevin Durant (35)
Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Of course, Phoenix has already made some major changes to begin the offseason as they promoted Brian Gregory to be their new general manager and they also hired Cleveland Cavaliers assistant coach Jordan Ott to replace Mike Budenholzer as their new head coach.
Ott was a top target for the Suns’ coaching job this offseason and many were not surprised when the franchise announced their decision, mainly due to his ties with owner Mat Ishbia and the Michigan State Spartans.
Despite many people criticizing the Suns for their decision based off Ott’s ties to Michigan State, where he spent two seasons as a graduate assistant for their basketball team, Ott is set to silence them as he sent them a message on Tuesday.
“I know I've earned this opportunity, I'm going to work as hard as I can from here on out to prove that I am here for the right reasons... that excites me,” Ott said at his press conference on Tuesday.
This was a clear message by Ott as he knows that he deserves the opportunity to be the head coach of the Suns due to his coaching accomplishments rather than due to a common theme within the Suns’ organization.
Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott during an introductory press conference.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Despite this, there will still be many critics calling out Phoenix’s decision, especially if they underperform once again next season, though likely with an entirely different roster.
While that may be the case, it seems as though Ott is ready to help the Suns return to being a contender once again.