The Phoenix Suns have become a team to watch after their Opening Night 120-116 win over the Sacramento Kings, which shone a spotlight on new head coach Jordan Ott and the rest of the Suns’ basketball brass.
Ott was praised for his work ethic after the game by starting forward Dillon Brooks and his willingness to provide personalized, one-on-one workout sessions and attention for his young team.
Ott came over from the Cleveland Cavaliers this offseason and became part of a revamped Suns braintrust along with franchise legend Steve Nash, who was hired as a senior adviser in September 2025.
Nash spoke recently about his role with the team, including what he brings to the table from his unique vantage point alongside Ott and the rest of the team’s coaches and front office.
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Nash’s Bird’s Eye View With Suns
Nash believes he has a unique, higher-up view compared to the rest of the Suns’ front office people and is striving to become a resource that his co-workers can lean on and trust.
“Be able to help give them a sounding board and alternative view,” Nash said about his role with the team to reporter Duane Rankin of AZCentral.com.
“Sometimes the 30,000-foot view is really valuable when you’re in the weeds every day.
“It can come in a lot of forms. I just want to be a resource and continue to give them a place to vent, explore, ask questions, perspectives and share experiences.”
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Suns’ Team-First Approach Downs Kings
The Suns played in a manner worthy of the two-time former MVP Nash as they racked up 23 assists in their Opening Night win over the Kings.
Phoenix lacks a “classic” Nash-era point guard in its starting lineup, but the duo of Grayson Allen and Devin Booker, along with defensive-minded guard/forward Ryan Dunn, was enough to secure the victory on Sunday night at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix.
Ott and Nash both bring an idealistic, skills development-focused approach to a franchise known for innovation and high-scoring, up-tempo basketball.
The Suns don’t quite have the roster necessary to play like the Nash-Shawn Marion-Amare Stoudemire group of the mid-2000s, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see this year’s team take on the persona of Nash in small, understated ways.
Nash commands the type of respect few former players do, and Booker called him a “mastermind” after his hiring, a superlative he will do his best to live up to this season.
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