Jordan Ott’s Offensive Overhaul Has the Suns Trending Up
Jordan Ott’s first year at the helm in Phoenix has turned more than a few heads - and not just because of the wins. It's how the Suns are getting those wins that’s got folks around the league paying attention. Ott has taken the reins and reshaped this offense into something that’s not only more fluid, but more modern, more adaptable, and frankly, more dangerous than what we saw in recent years.
Let’s break down what’s working, what still needs tuning, and why there’s real reason to believe the best is yet to come in the Valley.
A New-Look Offense With Real Bite
From the jump, Ott made it clear he wasn’t going to simply inherit a system. He’s built a new one - a system that leans into the strengths of his stars while demanding more movement, more spacing, and more purpose with every possession.
Gone are the days of static half-court sets that relied too heavily on isolation. Ott’s version of the Suns’ offense is built around pace and versatility.
There’s a clear emphasis on ball movement, off-ball action, and creating multiple options on every trip down the floor. It’s not just about setting up one guy to score - it’s about making the defense guess, and then punishing them when they guess wrong.
That shift has brought out the best in Phoenix’s playmakers. The ball is zipping around the perimeter, players are cutting with conviction, and the team is generating cleaner looks - both at the rim and from deep. It’s not perfect yet, but the foundation is strong.
Growing Pains? Sure. But the Ceiling is High
Let’s be clear: this isn’t a finished product. There have been rough patches - stretches where the offense stalls, or when turnovers creep in as players adjust to new responsibilities. But those moments are starting to feel more like growing pains than red flags.
What’s encouraging is how the team responds when things get choppy. Ott has shown a knack for making timely adjustments - whether it’s tweaking the rotation, shifting the offensive focus mid-game, or dialing up a set that gets a struggling player back in rhythm. That kind of in-game feel is hard to teach, and Ott’s already showing he’s got it.
Where the Suns Stand in the West
Zooming out, the Suns are holding their own in a crowded Western Conference. With teams like the Nuggets and Thunder continuing to push the pace at the top, there’s little margin for error. But Phoenix is right in the mix - and that’s with the understanding that they haven’t hit their full stride yet.
Health, as always, will be a major factor. If the Suns can keep their core intact and continue to build chemistry within Ott’s system, they’re going to be a problem for anyone come playoff time. The offense is already showing signs of being elite - and once the execution tightens up, it has the potential to be downright lethal.
Around the League: NBA Cup and Beyond
While the Suns continue to build, the rest of the league isn’t standing still. The NBA Cup wrapped up with a showdown between the Knicks and Spurs - two teams that have made their own headlines this season for very different reasons. The Cup’s inaugural run has added a new wrinkle to the early-season storylines, and it’s clear that momentum from that tournament could carry over into the regular season push.
For Phoenix, the focus remains internal. Ott’s vision is taking shape, and the players are buying in.
There’s a belief building - not just in the locker room, but across the league - that this team is figuring something out. And if they do?
The rest of the West better be ready.