Jordan Ott isn’t stepping into Phoenix selling dreams—he’s bringing a plan. Darvin Ham, his former Lakers colleague and now a Bucks assistant, says that’s exactly what the Suns need after a rough 36-46 season.

Bucks assistant Darvin Ham on new Suns head coach Jordan Ott, who was Ham’s assistant with the Los Angeles Lakers: “You can talk about winning and getting to the playoffs and championships, but OK, how does that look in September, October, whatever is left of the summer? (The Suns) had a long summer. So guys should be in the gym being efficient with their workouts, but he understands how to weave that fabric all together and get the results they’re looking for. I doubt if you’ll ever hear him talking about championships. Not saying that’s not what he wants to do because he’s well aware that’s the end goal, but you’ll hear him talking about how we can get better every day and maximize everything they got.”

That mindset might sound simple, but for a franchise that’s gone through four head coaches in four years without cracking the code to a title, it’s a breath of fresh air. Ott isn’t about quick fixes or flashy promises. He’s about building habits, maximizing practice reps, and setting a tone that actually sticks.

Ott earned his shot the hard way. He started as a video coordinator in Atlanta, learning the game from the ground up. Then he spent years as an assistant coach with the Brooklyn Nets, sharpening his skills under Kenny Atkinson and Steve Nash. Later, he joined the Lakers’ staff, working alongside Darvin Ham, helping with player development and game strategy.

Last season, Ott took a big step forward as assistant coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs won 64 games—the best record in the Eastern Conference—and posted the NBA’s top offensive rating. Behind the scenes, Ott played a key role in developing Evan Mobley, who won Defensive Player of the Year and earned his first All-NBA nod. His reputation as a strategic thinker, innovative tactician, and a coach who connects with players both on and off the floor has steadily grown.

Ott’s journey is unique. He comes from McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania, a tiny town with just over 1,000 people. Unlike most coaches, he never played college basketball. Instead, he carved his path through video coordination and assistant roles at Penn State and Michigan State, where he earned a master’s degree in athletic administration. That blend of education and experience shapes his approach—mixing analytics, player development, and culture-building. Now, with the Suns facing a potential roster shakeup, the biggest question swirling around Phoenix is Kevin Durant’s future.

Kevin Durant Trade Noise? Ott’s Not Flinching

Kevin Durant trade rumors are swirling again. After a disappointing 36-46 season, the Suns want to shake things up. KD’s name is at the center. ESPN’s Bobby Marks and Shams Charania report that teams like the Knicks, Spurs, Heat, Rockets, Wolves, and Mavs are all very interested.

Durant? He’s totally unbothered. A clip went viral of someone getting emotional over his possible trade. KD fired back on X with a classic line: “Somebody crying was news to me, we didn’t know what engagement farming was back then, Aaron was ahead of his time.” That’s vintage Durant — cool, sarcastic, and unfazed by the noise.

On the court, KD remains elite. Last season, he averaged 26.6 points, shot 52.7% from the field, and hit 43% from deep. But his $54.7 million cap hit next year and Phoenix’s looming luxury tax headache make him the obvious trade piece if the Suns want to rebuild around Booker.

The tax situation complicates things. The Suns are expected to be above the second luxury tax apron. This limits their ability to move salary without big financial consequences. Rumors suggest Durant could go to the Spurs to join Wemby and Fox. Or he could move to the Knicks in a deal with picks and young players. Another possibility is the Timberwolves, who want to push for a Finals run.

Through all this noise, new Suns coach Jordan Ott isn’t sweating the drama. Darvin Ham, Ott’s former Lakers teammate, sums it up: Ott’s focused on July workouts, not June gossip. Whether Durant stays or goes, Ott’s priority is clear — build habits, grow culture, and work hard. No distractions. No drama. Just steady progress.