Suns Hire Ott as New Coach

[Superbone]

Im grateful Ott appears to be a keeper. Seeing how the team progresses under him will be fun. I'm not expecting much this offseason but going forward it'll be interesting if we can build a Heat type of system that attracts certain types of players. Also guys re-signing quick and perhaps for less because they want to be part of the culture here.

He does seem like Spoelstra 2.0.

 

[Suns_fan69]

Mazulla will get some consideration as well, considering how well the Celtics played without major pieces from last year.

 

[Adrian]

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

 

[BooksOrangePlanet]

this was ott's worst week on twitter - most fans excused the 5 game losing streak with the injuries and installing jalen and all

 

[BooksOrangePlanet]

i still think we need a big lineup - we have every other type of lineup

 

[Adrian]

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

 

[newBluePlanet]

“He had it going the whole night,” Booker said. “I can take that shot, too, and force overtime. But I saw Jrue sleeping a little bit, and Jalen shifted to the open space.” -- Arizona Sports

that's his style. Passive aggressive. Except for last season when he leaked his prior coach rightly telling him, shall we say, not to over-step his mental capabilities.

so, you could blame Ott for:

* not having the league's best spot-up 3 shooter, Gillespi on the floor in crunch time, after he sparked the Suns from down 10 to a lead.
* not having any point guard on the floor to preserve their 11 point lead late in the 4th
* not pulling Booker with 5 fouls, despite him already being the weakest defender on the court
* letting Booker run out the clock and force up an awful shot when it mattered most

but i can't, and won't blame Ott
if he doesn't want to be Booker's 8th coach to be fired
he has to play Booker Ball

the team should never have Booker and Green on the floor in the crunch because their offense is redundant and they screw up the defense. Last night, Green's 35 on about 50% shooting, earned him his spot out there

it's not Ott who failed
he had the off-season to get everyone on the right page
AND HE DID
we had a winning, defensive formula
but, as always, the season came down to guy on the court
who has no business calling the shots

 

[Adrian]

Helluva of Job by Ott to get this team to the playoffs

 

[BooksOrangePlanet]

Helluva of Job by Ott to get this team to the playoffs

especially with the musical chairs he's had to deal with

 

[Adrian]

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

 

[Superbone]

Let's talk about Ott's seeming reluctance to play Maluach and Fleming in the playoffs. I know there's been a lot of talk in the game threads about it. I too wonder if it's his own decision or if it is coming from above, like Clifford or Brian Gregory. I've seen other playoff teams play rookies.

Here's what I'm thinking. That this is coming from above. More likely from the GM, Gregory, in consultation with Ishbia. That they know this season's team isn't getting out of the first round no matter what we do so they want to concentrate on seeing what our veterans are lacking and where we need to improve the roster for next season. I'm pretty sure they know what we have in Maluach and Fleming and that they are a big part of our future. Maybe they're trying to figure out what changes we need to make to put around them. Also, who can stay and who can go of our veterans.

Obviously, we need a power forward presence and more size up front. Both of which Maluach and Fleming bring. But they're going to need more help too. Fleming is currently the only thing resembling a PF on the roster. We need a minimum of another. Probably should be our area of concentration for next season. Trade in our guard glut for some more size. I wouldn't mind bringing in a solid veteran PF for Fleming to learn from. I just don't know who that would be right now.

We've got an interesting mix of youth and veterans at the moment but the team construction has a lot to be desired. It will be a very interesting offseason for sure. But I do think we'll see a lot more Maluach and Fleming next season just as we saw a lot more of Ighodaro and Dunn (less so) this season.

Of course, Ighodaro is a concern all on his own. He does some things really well (decent rebounder, great screener, great decision maker with the ball) and some things really badly (can shoot outside of 8 feet, horrible FT shooter, lacking size compared to most NBA starting centers). Not sure what we'll do there but he should be a back up, not a starting center, and I think most of us can agree with that.

 

[Mainstreet]

Let's talk about Ott's seeming reluctance to play Maluach and Fleming in the playoffs. I know there's been a lot of talk in the game threads about it. I too wonder if it's his own decision or if it is coming from above, like Clifford or Brian Gregory. I've seen other playoff teams play rookies.

Here's what I'm thinking. That this is coming from above. More likely from the GM, Gregory, in consultation with Ishbia. That they know this season's team isn't getting out of the first round no matter what we do so they want to concentrate on seeing what our veterans are lacking and where we need to improve the roster for next season. I'm pretty sure they know what we have in Maluach and Fleming and that they are a big part of our future. Maybe they're trying to figure out what changes we need to make to put around them. Also, who can stay and who can go of our veterans.

Obviously, we need a power forward presence and more size up front. Both of which Maluach and Fleming bring. But they're going to need more help too. Fleming is currently the only thing resembling a PF on the roster. We need a minimum of another. Probably should be our area of concentration for next season. Trade in our guard glut for some more size. I wouldn't mind bringing in a solid veteran PF for Fleming to learn from. I just don't know who that would be right now.

We've got an interesting mix of youth and veterans at the moment but the team construction has a lot to be desired. It will be a very interesting offseason for sure. But I do think we'll see a lot more Maluach and Fleming next season just as we saw a lot more of Ighodaro and Dunn (less so) this season.

Of course, Ighodaro is a concern all on his own. He does some things really well (decent rebounder, great screener, great decision maker with the ball) and some things really badly (can shoot outside of 8 feet, horrible FT shooter, lacking size compared to most NBA starting centers). Not sure what we'll do there but he should be a back up, not a starting center, and I think most of us can agree with that.

JMHO, but I see no reason to hold Rasheer Fleming and Khaman Maluach back. The Suns could use more size in their rotation, especially with Mark Williams out.

I think it's mainly a coaching decision by Jordan Ott.

Yeah, the Suns definitely need to add some forward/centers to their roster.

 

[Superbone]

JMHO, but I see no reason to hold Rasheer Fleming and Khaman Maluach back. The Suns could use more size in their rotation, especially with Mark Williams out.

I think it's mainly a coaching decision by Jordan Ott.

Yeah, the Suns definitely need to add some forward/centers to their roster.

Why do you think Ott would do that? You think it's just a flaw of his as a coach? Is it worth sticking with him if so? You would think a coach would want to use everything at his disposal to try and win, egos be damned. Maybe it's a rookie head coach trying to keep his veterans happy? What do you think the reason is and would you move forward with Ott?

 

[BooksOrangePlanet]

i think it's ott's call - he wants vets/smarts/experience in crucial games - i think fleming and manman get plenty of time next year but i was hoping to see more of both this year

 

[Superbone]

I am personally very happy with Ott overall but I do agree that more Man Man and especially Fleming could make a difference. I am very willing to look past it and continue with him for seasons to come. We've had way too much coaching turnover in recent years since Williams and way too much before too. Hopefully, he will continue to grow as a coach as well. Overall, he has a had a very successful first year as a rookie head coach.

 

[Superbone]

i think it's ott's call - he wants vets/smarts/experience in crucial games - i think fleming and manman get plenty of time next year but i was hoping to see more of both this year

But none of that gets you crucial rebounds against bigger opponents and extra possessions are killing us.

 

[BooksOrangePlanet]

But none of that gets you crucial rebounds against bigger opponents and extra possessions are killing us.

100%

 

[Mainstreet]

Why do you think Ott would do that? You think it's just a flaw of his as a coach? Is it worth sticking with him if so? You would think a coach would want to use everything at his disposal to try and win, egos be damned. Maybe it's a rookie head coach trying to keep his veterans happy? What do you think the reason is and would you move forward with Ott?

I think maybe it's a rookie thing with Ott. He sees the players in practice and wants fewer mistakes. Also, it's easier to sit rookies than it is veterans. Now if it happens next season, I'm going to wonder.

IMO, the Suns are moving forward with Ott because he has overachieved with this roster.

 

[Hoop Head]

Why do you think Ott would do that? You think it's just a flaw of his as a coach? Is it worth sticking with him if so? You would think a coach would want to use everything at his disposal to try and win, egos be damned. Maybe it's a rookie head coach trying to keep his veterans happy? What do you think the reason is and would you move forward with Ott?

I agree with Mainstreet

I think maybe it's a rookie thing with Ott. He sees the players in practice and wants fewer mistakes. Also, it's easier to sit rookies than it is veterans. Now if it happens next season, I'm going to wonder.

IMO, the Suns are moving forward with Ott because he has overachieved with this roster.

And would add that it's likely easier to reach Fleming and Maluach from the sidelines without recking their confidence. Maluach is seeing more time, which is good, but also a necessity due to size. He's also asked to play a more specific role while Fleming would have more freedom in the offense.

Fleming would also be playing against guys smaller who are more talented, like JDub or Caruso, or bigger that would cause a different set of problems in Chet. OKC is a terrible matchup for Fleming to be tossed out there. I think he would have played a little vs San Antonio but the Thunder are just a well oiled machine with unique array of talent which could hurt as much as help Fleming.

Ott knows the personalities better and deals with them in practice. I trust he's doing what's best long term. I think there's a plan, even though we don't know it. I'd be surprised to learn he's just being stubborn and refusing to play rookies out of some old school Larry Brown sort of "rookies sit" sort of mentality.

 

[Raindog]

Yes, I realize it's too soon to dump on Ott. We'll have to see which way things go next season. But so far, he hasn't shown much in the way of adaptability when his system isn't working and it does bear some circumspection.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

Let's talk about Ott's seeming reluctance to play Maluach and Fleming in the playoffs. I know there's been a lot of talk in the game threads about it. I too wonder if it's his own decision or if it is coming from above, like Clifford or Brian Gregory. I've seen other playoff teams play rookies.

Here's what I'm thinking. That this is coming from above. More likely from the GM, Gregory, in consultation with Ishbia. That they know this season's team isn't getting out of the first round no matter what we do so they want to concentrate on seeing what our veterans are lacking and where we need to improve the roster for next season. I'm pretty sure they know what we have in Maluach and Fleming and that they are a big part of our future. Maybe they're trying to figure out what changes we need to make to put around them. Also, who can stay and who can go of our veterans.

Obviously, we need a power forward presence and more size up front. Both of which Maluach and Fleming bring. But they're going to need more help too. Fleming is currently the only thing resembling a PF on the roster. We need a minimum of another. Probably should be our area of concentration for next season. Trade in our guard glut for some more size. I wouldn't mind bringing in a solid veteran PF for Fleming to learn from. I just don't know who that would be right now.

We've got an interesting mix of youth and veterans at the moment but the team construction has a lot to be desired. It will be a very interesting offseason for sure. But I do think we'll see a lot more Maluach and Fleming next season just as we saw a lot more of Ighodaro and Dunn (less so) this season.

Of course, Ighodaro is a concern all on his own. He does some things really well (decent rebounder, great screener, great decision maker with the ball) and some things really badly (can shoot outside of 8 feet, horrible FT shooter, lacking size compared to most NBA starting centers). Not sure what we'll do there but he should be a back up, not a starting center, and I think most of us can agree with that.

Don’t see this. Those are vets. We know who they are and what they bring. Also don’t think they’d press on Ott with the success he had this season. That wouldn’t be cool.

 

[Covert Rain]

Ott was a massive disappointment the 2nd half of the season and in the playoffs. He wasn’t flexible at all compared to the 1st half of the season. The question is which Ott are you going to get next year.

 

[Chaplin]

Ott deserves all the criticism for the last half of the season and especially the playoffs, starting with the Play-In. But that doesn't mean we toss him away, like we are wont to do in this city.

Our roster isn't great from top to bottom, but it's at least solid. There is still A LOT to work with right now and I know we'll see some changes, just don't want to see changes for changing's sake.

I SERIOUSLY doubt we are going to trade Book, but I guess we have to be prepared for 75% of this board to complain about it for the next 4 months ad nauseum.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Ott deserves all the criticism for the last half of the season and especially the playoffs, starting with the Play-In. But that doesn't mean we toss him away, like we are wont to do in this city.

Our roster isn't great from top to bottom, but it's at least solid. There is still A LOT to work with right now and I know we'll see some changes, just don't want to see changes for changing's sake.

I SERIOUSLY doubt we are going to trade Book, but I guess we have to be prepared for 75% of this board to complain about it for the next 4 months ad nauseum.

And I guess those people are going to have to be prepared to be attacked for daring to say it.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

Ott deserves all the criticism for the last half of the season and especially the playoffs, starting with the Play-In. But that doesn't mean we toss him away, like we are wont to do in this city.

Our roster isn't great from top to bottom, but it's at least solid. There is still A LOT to work with right now and I know we'll see some changes, just don't want to see changes for changing's sake.

I SERIOUSLY doubt we are going to trade Book, but I guess we have to be prepared for 75% of this board to complain about it for the next 4 months ad nauseum.

I still like ott. I think his foundational thoughts are good ones. I hope he continues to grow. And I hope he has good talent acquired for him to work with.