Suns' Jordan Ott Dismisses Criticism About His Michigan State Ties to New Job: 'Earned the Right to Be Here'

Suns' Jordan Ott dismisses criticism about his Michigan State ties to new job: 'Earned the right to be here'

Ott believes his 20 years of working in the industry led him to the role he was hired for this offseason in Phoenix

Suns' Jordan Ott dismisses criticism about his Michigan State ties to new job: 'Earned the ...

The Phoenix Suns will start next season with their fourth coach in four years after hiring former Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott to replace Mike Budenholzer , who was fired after Phoenix missed the playoffs. Ott was up against fellow Cavaliers assistant Johnnie Bryant for the job, but ultimately won out and will take over a roster in flux with a Kevin Durant trade decision looming over the franchise. Ott's been in the league since 2013…

Suns' Ott on MSU ties: 'Earned right to be here'

Amid questions about how much his ties to owner Matt Ishbia's alma mater Michigan State had to do with his hiring, new Suns coach Jordan Ott said he has "earned the right to be here."

Suns HC Fires Back at Michigan State Critics

Jordan Ott feels he has earned the right to be head coach.

Ott: Merit, Not MSU Ties, Led To Suns' Head Coaching Job

Jordan Ott graduated from Michigan State and served as a graduate assistant under longtime head coach Tom Izzo for two seasons. Suns owner Mat Ishbia played for Izzo during the Spartans’ 2000 championship run and new general manager Brian Gregory was an assistant under Izzo that season. However, Ott denies that his MSU ties had anything to do with being named Phoenix’s head coach, Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic relays. “So I’ll say it like…

New Suns Coach Jordan Ott: ‘I’ve Earned the Right to Be Here’

Jordan Ott may have deep ties to Michigan State and Tom Izzo — just like Suns owner Mat Ishbia and general manager Brian Gregory — but Ott insists that isn’t what landed him the head coaching job in Phoenix. “I’ve earned the right to be here,” Ott said Tuesday during his introductory press conference. “I’ve spent 20 years working as hard as I possibly can. I’ve been around great people, great coaches, great players… I know I’ve earned this oppor…