Cavs Assistant Jordan Ott Viewed As Possible Finalist For Suns Coaching Job

Cavaliers assistant coach Jordan Ott is considered a “name to watch” in the Suns’ search for a head coach, per Marc Stein of The Stein Line.

This is interesting because Ott isn’t the only Cavs assistant said to be in the running. Associated head coach Johnnie Bryant, a Donovan Mitchell favorite, is also reportedly in the mix.

At any rate, Stein mentioned Ott along with Heat assistant Chris Quinn and Mavericks assistant Sean Sweeney as potential favorites as Phoenix nears a hire. Or at least among the potential favorites.

“Cleveland’s Jordan Ott — one of two Michigan State alumni who advanced to the second round of the search — is another name to watch,” Stein wrote. “Beyond his coaching credentials after stints with the Hawks, Nets, Lakers, and Cavaliers, Ott’s alma mater cannot be discounted as a factor given that Suns owner Mat Ishbia is never shy about his (Michigan State) ties.

“Ishbia, remember, has already appointed fellow Spartan Brian Gregory as his new GM despite Gregory’s very limited NBA experience — one season as a full-time Suns executive after one as a consultant.”

Ott became an assistant under Kenny Atkinson before this season, coming to Cleveland after two years with the Lakers and former LA coach Darvin Ham.

Before that, Ott served as an assistant coach with the Nets from 2016-2020 under Atkinson, and was the Hawks’ video coordinator from 2013-16 under Mike Budenholzer.

Interestingly, Budenholzer was just fired by the Suns after one season. This is just the way things so often go in the NBA. In Phoenix, they seem to be even crazier than most places since Ishbia took over.

At any rate, Ott and Bryant are expected to remain candidates elsewhere should they not land or want the Suns gig.