NBA fans were divided after league insider Shams Charania tweeted that the Phoenix Suns had found their new head coach. In his latest, Charania said the Suns are hiring Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott as their next head coach.
The news comes after Phoenix moved on from Mike Budenholzer after a disappointing 2024-25 season. Ott’s hire comes after a comprehensive search that included well over 15 candidates for the position.
NBA Fans Weigh In On Jordan Ott’s Hire As New Suns Coach
Charania tweeted the announcement, saying the Suns had made their decision on their head coach.
“The Phoenix Suns are hiring Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott as the franchise’s new head coach, sources tell ESPN. Ott has been an NBA assistant since 2012 and has a strong background in offensive and defensive creativity, player development, and communication.”
Just In: The Phoenix Suns are hiring Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott as the franchise’s new head coach, sources tell ESPN. Ott has been an NBA assistant since 2012 and has a strong background of offensive and defensive creativity, player development and communication. pic.twitter.com/doDE6Fahdj
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 4, 2025
Soon after the Suns’ head coach announcement, fans took to social media to share their two cents. One of the fans had no idea about Ott. “Who is that???” the tweet read. This was followed by another who appeared to be baffled by the decision. “Why pick Jordan Ott? I wasn’t expecting this,” the fan wrote.
Some takes were more blunt. One post said, “Terrible pick up… this franchise is a joke and will always be a joke…”
Terrible pick up… this franchise is a joke and will always be a joke…
— Zam (@lZamX) June 4, 2025
“Another guy they’ll fire after 1 year after they miss the playoffs again,” a tweet said.
Another guy they’ll fire after 1 year after they miss the playoffs again
— Jake (@playoffjake) June 4, 2025
Meanwhile, another section of fans believed hiring Ott was a good move by the franchise. “Brilliant move for the Suns who will be getting into a squad transformation in my opinion,” a tweet read. With reports of Devin Booker personally involved in the coaching search, a fan had praise for the star and the Ott’s hire.
“Booker’s involvement in the Suns’ hiring process is a testament to his leadership and dedication to the team. This move could signal a promising future for the franchise.”
Booker’s involvement in the Suns’ hiring process is a testament to his leadership and dedication to the team. This move could signal a promising future for the franchise.
— Charles (@obin0nso) June 4, 2025
Per ESPN, Ott has been in the NBA since 2012 and is known for his creativity on both offense and defense. The report added that his strong communication skills and meticulous work ethic were also key factors that were considered leading to his hire.