Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green has backed Phoenix Suns’ new head coach Jordan Ott.
The Phoenix Suns‘ hot start in 2024/25 did not last. They began with an impressive 9-2 record, before their season gradually fell apart.
The Suns could not even catch the injury-hit Dallas Mavericks to claim a Play-In Tournament berth, and missed the postseason entirely, with a 36-46 end of season record.
Their wretched season resulted in Mike Budenholzer being fired after just one season in charge, setting up yet another fresh start.
The Phoenix Suns took their time in choosing a replacement. Last week they announced the hiring of Budenholzer’s successor.
Jordan Ott is the new man in charge, taking on his first NBA head coaching gig after spells as assistant on the Cleveland Cavaliers and LA Lakers.
It has been a long journey to the top for Ott, and NBA star Draymond Green has given the new Suns’ coach his backing.
Green worked with Ott at Michigan State before he entered the NBA, and he says he is proud of his rise.
Speaking to his podcast, Green said: “Who trained me for the Draft, literally for my pre-Draft workout, was Jordan Ott. Jordan was a video guy, video coordinator at Michigan State.
“To watch somebody come from a video coordinator to becoming a head coach in the NBA, so special. I’m happy as hell for Jordan Ott. Happy as hell for him.
“To grind his way up, it’s absolutely incredible. I know Phoenix got a great one, you talk about x’s and o’s, one of the best in the business, not a guy who’s afraid to hear his own voice.”
Over the past eight seasons, the Phoenix Suns have had six different head coaches; Earl Watson, Jay Triano, Igor Kokoskov, Monty Williams, Frank Vogel, and Mike Budenholzer.
This has led to dysfunction on the court, and the Suns are hoping Jordan Ott can be the answer.
Amid this backdrop, Draymond Green has a very bold prediction, showcasing his faith in Ott.
He said: “They are locking in a great head coach who can be there for the next 20 years if he wanna be.”
The NBA is not known for having many long-serving coaches nowadays. To last 20 years in any franchise is a staggering ask.
Let alone the Phoenix Suns. But sooner or later the franchise need to give a coach time. Perhaps Ott can be the man.
