The The sun raised some eyebrows around the NBA when they named longtime college coach Brian Gregory will become their new general manager in May 2025. After the 2024/25 season, Gregory helped reshape the team last offseason by trading Kevin Durant to Houston for Jalen Green, Dylan Brooks and the 10th overall pick in 2025 (Haman Maluach) and hiring the first head coach Jordan Ottamong other movements.
Phoenix bounced back with a 45-37 record last season, making the playoffs as the eighth seed before being swept in the first round by the top-seeded Thunder.
Grigor confessed Dwayne Rankin of the Arizona Republic (subscriber link) that he wasn’t a popular choice among fans at the time he was hired, and says there are aspects of the job where he may not be an expert, and he’s fine with that.
“I mean, obviously it was a challenge, but at the same time I felt like we had a lot of good writing– said Grigor.For me, it’s basketball and relationships. I think sometimes you can overcomplicate things. There are a lot of things I still don’t (know), and that’s okay with me. This is one of the best things. I’m fine with that. There are people around me who know this.
“(Owner) Mat (Ishbia) Wanted me to focus on our players, our coaches and that relationship and get everyone moving in the same direction and it was kind of a call to order. And while it may not have been considered the best move at the time, I had confidence. Mata had enough courage for this.
“You can make your way through things. I think we did that. I think our work ethic, and not just mine, but everyone around me, everyone at 5G (gym), but then hiring the right coach really helps, really helps.”
Here are some more highlights from Rankin’s conversation with Gregory:
- Regarding Otto’s hiring, Gregory said it didn’t take him an entire season to realize he was the right choice for the job. “One of the best things about Jordan Ott is that he is never satisfied, meaning he is never satisfied with himself. Wants to get better. Always trying to find ways– said Grigor.He understood the need for our players to bring together the idea of becoming the best player you can be while playing as a team. Very few guys have been able to do that, and he’s one of them.”
- Gregory remains an ardent fan of the Star Guard Devin Bookerwho drew some outside criticism for his play on the size of the contract. “I’m knowledgeable about some things that fans and/or the media aren’t. I see what he does every day. I see what he does for every player on our team, for every coachGregory said to Rankin.He understands that there will be criticism on his way. He’s as much of a superstar as anyone around, and I think sometimes you just start taking things for granted. You think we have the right to do that. What he does on a daily basis and what he goes through in terms of pure basketball. Watching game after game and for him to keep coming back. I’m not sure anyone really has a good idea of what it looks like.”
- At the same time, he refused to directly discuss possible contract negotiations with Miles Bridges or Green, who are both eligible for an extension, he suggested a deal for Bridges could be a priority. “We traded for Miles because we believe he will be an impact player for us. ok? You can read this– said Grigor.Jalen Green, he was also part of a big trade. Last year, due to an injury, he did not have time to show everything. I feel confident that he will be able to show it this year. We don’t talk about player contracts, but at the same time they are highly valued by the players in our organization.”
