The NBA has officially named Boston Celtics' head coach Joe Mazzulla as the Coach of the Year for the 2025-26 season, but there was still plenty of reason for the Phoenix Suns to be happy with the final results of this one.
Their own first year head coach Jordan Ott finishing fifth in the standings, in what is finally tangible recognition for a great maiden campaign at the helm.
Coach Ott is going to go from strength-to-strength in The Valley
Before looking at what this means for coach Ott himself, this is also a massive win for the franchise and their front office. There were some who questioned hiring a first time head coach last summer off the back of the failures of veterans Mike Budenholzer and Frank Vogel.
But with so much uncertainty around many of the top jobs in the league right now, having their long-term solution in place is one less area for the Suns to worry about. Devin Booker said as much himself at end of season media availability, speaking glowingly about the steady presence coach Ott has brought to The Valley.
A global media panel of 100 voters selected the 2025-26 NBA Coach of the Year.
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 26, 2026
Complete voting results ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/es0GyIXSMe
For Ott personally it is sweet to receive some love, because of the obscurity that the Suns were operating in this season. Dillon Brooks could have been an All-Star, while he continues to be overlooked by the rest of the league. Even Booker has seen his name slide down top player lists.
All because the Suns lost Kevin Durant and entered into a period in which everybody assumed they would be out in the wilderness. Even when coach Ott was leading this group to a top 10 finish in defensive rating and eventual playoff berth, nobody seemed to really care.
So to see his name above the likes of Mark Daigneault and Quin Snyder is vindication that he is doing a great job, and he has the buy-in of the front office and star player in Booker as well.
This honeymoon period will soon be over, but that doesn't mean that Ott can't continue to get better from here. It is hard to think of any player outside of Ryan Dunn who regressed in the time he has been in charge, while he managed to get the best out of some quirky lineups.
Relying so heavily on Jamaree Bouyea and Jordan Goodwin (who has to be brought back now) shouldn't work, only it did because of the ability of coach Ott. Richly deserved.
Add us as a preferred source on Google