Jordan Ott’s Suns Are Turning Heads - and Earning Respect
PHOENIX - Midway through the 2025-26 NBA season, the Phoenix Suns weren’t supposed to be here - not in the thick of the Western Conference race, not competing nightly with a roster that’s been battered by injuries, and certainly not with a first-year head coach in the mix for NBA Coach of the Year. But here they are, and Jordan Ott is doing more than just keeping the ship afloat - he’s steering it with precision.
According to the latest odds, Ott holds the second-best chance at taking home the league’s Coach of the Year honors, trailing only Detroit’s JB Bickerstaff. And while betting lines don’t tell the full story, they do reflect a growing league-wide recognition of what’s happening in Phoenix: a team defying expectations through structure, adaptability, and a whole lot of grit.
A Rebuild? Not Quite.
Let’s rewind for a moment. After a turbulent offseason that saw Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal leave the Valley, the Suns were pegged by many as a team headed for a reset - maybe even a full rebuild.
Instead, Ott has this group playing smart, connected basketball. They’re not just hanging around; they’re winning.
Even with extended absences from stars like Devin Booker and Jalen Green, the Suns haven’t unraveled. That’s a credit to Ott’s approach.
He’s managed the rotation with a steady hand, tightening it when necessary, staggering his primary playmakers, and giving the second unit a real identity. It’s not just about plugging holes - it’s about maximizing what’s available.
Coaching Up the Margins
The Suns’ bench isn’t filled with big names, but it’s producing big-time effort. Collin Gillespie, Grayson Allen, Jamaree Bouyea, and Jordan Goodwin might not light up highlight reels, but they’ve become essential to Phoenix’s nightly competitiveness.
They pressure the ball, fight for loose possessions, and move with purpose on offense. When the stars sit, the Suns don’t just survive - they keep pushing.
That kind of consistency from the second unit doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the product of a system that values every possession and a coach who prepares his team for every scenario. Ott has instilled a culture where everyone knows their role and plays it with conviction.
Building Belief in the Valley
This season could’ve gone sideways. Instead, it’s building something.
Phoenix fans came into the year unsure of what to expect - and they’ve been met with a team that plays with heart and cohesion. It’s not just the results that matter; it’s how the Suns are getting them.
There’s a belief growing in Phoenix, and it’s rooted in more than just wins. It’s about trust in a system, confidence in development, and a coach who’s earned the locker room. That’s why Ott’s Coach of the Year candidacy feels legitimate - not just because the Suns are outperforming expectations, but because they’re doing it the right way.
The NBA often rewards surprise in its year-end honors, but this is more than a feel-good story. It’s a case study in preparation, adaptability, and leadership.
Jordan Ott didn’t just inherit a team - he’s shaping one. And if the Suns keep this up, he might just bring home some hardware to prove it.