Mat Ishbia has received a lot of criticism — and rightfully so — since taking control of the Phoenix Suns. Ishbia, who has made a lot of changes in his two-plus seasons, completely overhauled the basketball department following last season’s debacle. Ishbia hired rookies as general manager (Brian Gregory) and coach (Jordan Ott). And the duo gutted the team of” overpriced old-heads” and have nine newcomers on their 18-man roster.
With all the changes, expectations are not high in the Valley of the Sun. Phoenix is projected to finish between 10th and 13th in the Western Conference, with the best scenario for the Suns earning the conference’s last play-in spot. The Suns, who were eliminated in the first round of the 2023-24 playoffs, finished 11th in the conference (36-46) as they closed the season losing eight of their last nine. They posted a 21-32 record after Christmas.
Following Major Offseason Overhaul, Suns Embracing Philosophical Change And Jordan Ott’s Energy
Part of the reason Ishbia totally rebuilt the roster was his desire to change the team’s culture, which is why Ott was chosen to run the team. According to Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic, Ishbia repeatedly expressed a desire to turn the Suns into a tough, physical team that plays hard and aggressively on both ends of the court. The Suns went 3-1 in the preseason as they ramped up their defense, which was a promising sign after finishing 27th in defensive efficiency last year.
“It’s not all the way there yet,” Ishbia told Rankin ahead of the season opener. “Am I surprised? I’m really happy with where we’re at, but at the same time, we have a long way to go. “I want to see some joy, I want to see some competitivenes.”
Ott is a significant reason for the cultural change. Ott, who had been an assistant for seven years before getting the Suns job, is known for defensive toughness, culture-building, and communication. And he has received high marks from his players.
“So far, Ott has made a positive impression,” Doug Haller of The Athletic recently said. “Veteran guard Grayson Allen says the first-time head coach is obvious not only in how he wants drills run, but why he wants them run. [Dillon] Brooks says Ott over the summer was in the practice facility every night, participating in workouts and rebounding for players. The intent has been to build a culture of toughness and defense, traits the Suns lacked last season on the league’s most expensive roster. It’s a complete reversal.”
Season Thus Far
Phoenix entered tonight’s game against Denver with a 1-1 record. The Suns opened the season with a 120-116 comeback victory over Sacramento. But they were manhandled by the Los Angeles Clippers 129-102 last night.
While the Suns have kept their energy, they have struggled defensively. Through the first two games, the Suns ranked among the worst teams, with a 124 defensive rating, as opponents shot 61.5% from the field. On the positive side, if things go well, Devin Booker and Brooks have been very productive.
Mark Williams missed the game against the Nuggets as part of the Suns’ load management plan in hopes that the 23-year-old can stay relatively healthy. Williams, who has not played in 50 games in a season, has come off the bench in the first two games. While he is only 4 of 10 from the field for the season, the 7-1 center has done a nice job on the boards and has provided some rim-protection.
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