Phoenix is set to hire its next coach from Cleveland’s successful 64-win team, with finalists being associate head coach Johnnie Bryant and assistant coach Jordan Ott. Both candidates will meet with owner Mat Ishbia, who is heavily involved in the decision-making process, and either will become the Suns’ fourth coach in four seasons after Mike Budenholzer’s firing due to a disappointing 36-46 record. The new coach will focus on instilling grit in a restructured roster as the team aims for a cohesive organizational philosophy akin to the Indiana Pacers’ approach.
