Suns' Jordan Ott Makes Strong Case for NBA Coach of Year

First-year head coach led Phoenix to surprise playoff berth in competitive Western Conference.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:12pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the dynamic action on the court.Ott's strategic leadership and ability to get the most out of his players have been crucial factors in the Suns' surprising playoff push.Phoenix Today

In his first season as head coach of the Phoenix Suns, Jordan Ott has guided the team to a 45-37 record and a playoff berth in the highly competitive Western Conference, exceeding preseason expectations. Ott's strong leadership and ability to get the most out of his players have made him a viable candidate for NBA Coach of the Year honors.

Why it matters

The Suns were expected to struggle this season after a 36-win campaign the previous year, but Ott has helped the team overachieve and remain in playoff contention despite long-term injuries to key players. His coaching acumen and ability to foster team chemistry have been crucial factors in the Suns' surprising success.

The details

Ott, 41, took over as the Suns' head coach last summer, replacing Mike Budenholzer. He has led the team to a 45-37 record, a four-spot improvement from the previous season, and a spot in the Western Conference play-in tournament. The Suns will face the Portland Trail Blazers in the 7-8 play-in game on April 14, with the winner advancing to the playoffs as the seventh seed.

  • Ott was named the Suns' head coach last summer.
  • The Suns finished the regular season with a 45-37 record.
  • The Suns will face the Trail Blazers in the Western Conference play-in tournament on April 14.

The players

Jordan Ott

The 41-year-old first-year head coach of the Phoenix Suns, who has led the team to a surprising playoff berth in the highly competitive Western Conference.

Oso Ighodaro

A Suns player who praised Ott's character and leadership in guiding the team through a challenging season.

Devin Booker

One of the Suns' star players, along with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, who have helped the team exceed preseason expectations under Ott's coaching.

Kevin Durant

One of the Suns' star players, along with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, who have helped the team exceed preseason expectations under Ott's coaching.

Bradley Beal

One of the Suns' star players, along with Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, who have helped the team exceed preseason expectations under Ott's coaching.

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What they’re saying

“First-year coach, the expectations people had of us. And to do it in the West this year with how competitive the West was. More importantly than the results, just who he is and how he's handled this season. His character has been high level. He's been elite.”

— Oso Ighodaro, Suns player

“When you're around the league for so many years, just in basketball, you're really grateful for a group that likes each other. That's stuff, we as coaches, it's really hard to generate. We have good guys who are about the right stuff.”

— Jordan Ott, Suns head coach

What’s next

The Suns will face the Portland Trail Blazers in the Western Conference play-in tournament on April 14, with the winner advancing to the playoffs as the seventh seed.

The takeaway

Jordan Ott's impressive first-year performance as the Suns' head coach, leading the team to a surprise playoff berth in the highly competitive Western Conference, has made him a strong candidate for NBA Coach of the Year honors.