It speaks volumes that Phoenix Suns’ head coach Jordan Ott only managed the seventh spot on a list that has already thrown up some surprises, but that speaks to how successful 2025-26 was for the franchise.
At a time when everybody expected the Suns to fall to the bottom of the Western Conference and struggle to break 30 wins, the first time head coach instead piloted an impressive return to the playoffs.
Coach Ott proved he is long-term solution in Phoenix
Consider all of the obstacles that stood in the way of Ott between opening night and the playoffs, and how well he handled it all. He had to get the approval of franchise cornerstone Devin Booker, and in his own end of year media availability he went out of his way to praise his third head coach in as many seasons. Coach Ott also had to cobble together a competitive rotation each night given their lack of draft capital meant there was no reason or desire to tank.
Dillon Brooks had arguably the best season of his career, while Mark Williams definitely did (even if expectations were modest). Even Oso Ighodaro finally showed signs of life and found a spot in the rotation after a worryingly passive first couple of campaigns with the organization.
Number 10 -Â Jamaree Bouyea took his NBA career off life support
Number 9 -Â Brian Gregory banished the 'Michigan Guy' tag
Number 8 - Grayson Allen finally fulfilled his destiny in Phoenix
The Suns were a top 10 defense by season’s end, and his reliance on veterans to get the job done in hindsight was actually a smart decision. It allowed the franchise to showcase both Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin then bring both back, while rookies Khaman Maluach and Rasheer Fleming just had sizzling Summer League showings after barely featuring in year one.
Coach Ott didn’t have to contend with the ‘Michigan Guy’ tag in the same way General Manager Brian Gregory did, but there were still some who felt he got the job because of those ties.
Instead the duo alongside owner Mat Ishbia turned that perceived weakness into a strength, proving they were aligned in all of the areas that matter. Navigating all of this and exceeding expectations is a sure fire way to ensure you are given more time on the job, and Ott certainly deserves that.
It will be interesting to see how he handles the Miles Bridges acquisition, as the culture and team building from year one was the secret sauce to the Suns’ success. That and a head coach who was consistently cool, calm and collected. A wonderful first season in the top job for coach Ott, no matter what happens next.
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