Suns Coach Jordan Ott Credits 3 Players for Stepping Up

Gillespie, Ighodaro, and O'Neale have been key contributors during a season filled with injuries for Phoenix.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:22pm

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Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott praised the performances of three role players - Collin Gillespie, Oso Ighodaro, and Royce O'Neale - who have stepped up and had career years while the team has dealt with numerous injuries to key players. Ott acknowledged that these players will likely need to sacrifice some of their roles and playing time once the Suns' starters return to full health for the playoffs.

Why it matters

The Suns have weathered a difficult regular season filled with injuries, and the contributions of these three role players have been crucial in keeping the team in playoff position. Their ability to fill in and excel in expanded roles shows the team's depth and resilience, which will be important as they gear up for a postseason run.

The details

Gillespie, Ighodaro, and O'Neale have all played at least 77 games for the Suns this season, stabilizing different areas of the floor. Gillespie has emerged as a key part of the backcourt, showcasing his shooting, driving, and facilitating skills. Ighodaro has provided an athletic presence as the team's backup center, while O'Neale's 40.9% 3-point shooting has been a valuable asset. Coach Ott acknowledged that these players will likely need to sacrifice some of their roles and playing time once the Suns' starters return to full health for the playoffs.

  • The Suns have two more regular season games remaining before the playoffs.
  • Gillespie, Ighodaro, and O'Neale have all played at least 77 games for the Suns this season.

The players

Jordan Ott

The head coach of the Phoenix Suns.

Collin Gillespie

A guard for the Phoenix Suns who has emerged as a key contributor this season, showcasing his shooting, driving, and facilitating skills.

Oso Ighodaro

The backup center for the Phoenix Suns, providing an athletic presence down low and the ability to defend more versatile players.

Royce O'Neale

A forward for the Phoenix Suns who has shot a career-high 40.9% from 3-point range, providing valuable spacing and shooting for the team.

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What they’re saying

“Huge, I think with the amount of injuries we've had from some key guys, it's put a ton on those other guys, and they've responded by having career years.”

— Jordan Ott, Suns Head Coach

“And part of having a career year, not only statistically, is being available, they've done a great job, obviously, playing through stuff. Now we've kind of got to the point where we're asking them now to sacrifice, and that's the hard piece. Those are hard conversations, but those guys are winners, and they want to win more than anything else, and all of us are going to have just sacrifice to get to where we want to get to.”

— Jordan Ott, Suns Head Coach

What’s next

The Suns will need to manage the roles and playing time of Gillespie, Ighodaro, and O'Neale as their starters return to full health for the playoffs.

The takeaway

The Suns' depth and resilience have been on full display this season, as role players like Gillespie, Ighodaro, and O'Neale have stepped up in a big way to keep the team in playoff position despite numerous injuries. Their willingness to sacrifice and put the team first will be crucial as the Suns gear up for a postseason run.