3 Priorities for Phoenix Suns' Coaching Staff Entering Next Season

Jordan Ott became one of the best stories in the NBA last season, finishing his first season as head coach of the Phoenix Suns in Coach of the Year conversations and leading a revamped team to the postseason after a one-year absence. 

Ott overcame an ample amount of criticism that followed him when earning the role over fellow Cleveland Cavaliers assistant coach Johnnie Bryant - essentially getting the most out of a roster that was projected to finish at the bottom of the league heading into last season. 

Now, Ott's top priority (along with his staff) is to continue advancing what has been built over the last year, while also maximizing the players that are currently the core of the roster.

The three areas that Ott and staff have upon their hands are directly below. 

Prioritize Internal Development

While the core of Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, and Jalen Green is the focal point of operations, the staff must work towards further readying Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming, Koby Brea, and other members of the youthful core to play consistent minutes. 

Fleming already flashed moments of brilliance as a two-way wing despite being a second-round selection last June - he became an instant impact defender (particularly on the interior), while also putting together a tangible track record as an outside shooting threat. Brea is seen as a three-point specialist, but there's more to his game than meets the eye - the two-way wing is viewed in a glowing manner by the organization.

Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro are soon-to-be third year players that have another potential gear to reach as well. While the Suns shouldn't compromise short-term competition for long-term growth, they should prioritize naturally bringing these intriguing prospects along.

Don't Fix What Isn't Broken

The Suns were so effective last season due to three different factors - being able to create a high volume of three-point looks, playing hard-nosed team defense, and beating teams that they needed to on a regular basis. 

While there is wiggle room for the offense to become more consistent (Green's health is a major point of focus), it's difficult to look at what transpired last season and decide that the formula that was previously employed needs to be drastically changed. 

Sure, there are going to be more teams that are fighting to compete in the season to come, but the Suns have more than enough core talent to overcome the increased pool of teams fighting for playoff positioning.

Be Unafraid to Make Bold Decisions

While the coaching staff and management still holds much faith in Green to consistently be a player that was seen on multiple occasions last season, Ott shouldn't feel tied to the hip to the sixth-year guard. 

If Green hypothetically struggles over the first 10 games of next season, Ott must have the decisiveness to make a change in the starting lineup - this goes for any player, as was also seen by the drastic uptick in playing time for Ighodaro last season - even before Mark Williams suffered a season-ending injury. 

Ott has been very proactive throughout his short tenure as Phoenix's head coach, and there's no reason to switch up in 2026-27.

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Kevin Hicks is a contributing writer to SunsRoundtable. He can be reached on X @khicks_21.