CLEVELAND, Ohio — The NBA’s development is usually gauged by player progress, but the league also evolves quietly on the sidelines, in film rooms, and through the hard work of assistant coaches preparing for roles that may feel daunting until they actually assume them.
A recent game at Rocket Arena highlighted this dual progression.
The Cavs’ decisive 129-113 victory over the Phoenix Suns closed out the year with a strong statement, but the game’s significance went beyond the scoreline.
On the opposing bench stood Jordan Ott and DeMarre Carroll, now representing the initial branch of Kenny Atkinson’s coaching lineage. Both brought insights gained under Atkinson while steering a Suns team that has navigated challenges to secure the seventh seed in a competitive Western Conference.
Despite the double-digit loss, Phoenix showed resilience.
The Suns continually responded to Cavs’ advances, showcasing a fierce competitive spirit until the game turned lopsided in the final quarter. Cleveland’s ability to manage these moments — arguably better than at any previous point in the season — was indicative of growth and awareness.
“We have history from our days in Atlanta… We share a deep understanding of the game,” Atkinson remarked about his bond with Suns head coach Ott. “He’s doing a tremendous job; the Suns are the hardest working team in the league.”
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The connections among Atlanta, Brooklyn, and Cleveland illustrate the continued strong ties.
Ott served as a video coordinator when Atkinson was an assistant with the Hawks, followed Atkinson to Brooklyn for his first head coaching role, and then reunited in Cleveland. Each transition brought new responsibilities and insights.
Atkinson recognized last season the shift in Ott’s capabilities.
“Last year, I noticed he was stepping up and embracing bigger roles,” Atkinson mentioned, pointing to Ott’s burgeoning confidence. “His renowned work ethic resonates through the West, and I’m not surprised by his current success.”
“His industry is well-known; he puts in the hours and is relentless. Those Pennsylvania roots reflect in his dedication,” Atkinson continued.
This trust developed over years of witnessing Ott’s efforts, blending responsibility with skill. The more responsibilities Ott acquired, the more instinctively he filled them.
Ott sees his growth as fundamentally linked to Atkinson’s mentorship, encompassing both the lessons learned and the methodology of acquiring them.
“No one has impacted my career more than him. Without his guidance from 16-18 months ago, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Ott expressed.
“I could detail endlessly how much he has done for me and my family. I’m deeply grateful.”
This pivotal role changes everything. Ott perceived it right away but also saw Atkinson’s evolution.
“The way he manages his staff and delegates now, compared to his time in Brooklyn, shows noticeable progress,” Ott noted. “I’ve tried to incorporate that here by encouraging ownership among our assistants and coaching staff.”
This focus on delegation is already shaping Phoenix’s team identity.
The Suns play with a collective spirit, founded on accountability rather than hierarchy, highlighting Ott’s diligent work ethic as it permeates the team’s competitiveness.
Carroll’s role enhances this narrative. Although not as visible as Ott, his influence is significant.
As a current assistant in Phoenix, Carroll previously worked with Jaylon Tyson in Cleveland, aiding one of the league’s notable development stories this season.
Tyson shared that Carroll prioritized corner shooting development, enhancing comfort and confidence before expanding his range, a strategy that has proven beneficial.
These traits were evident Wednesday night, even as the outcome favored Cleveland.
The Cavs showed maturity by handling Phoenix’s challenges, responding to pressure effectively. This illustrates that growth, for both players and coaches, is typically not linear and always interconnected, particularly when familiar concepts are tested across opposing teams.
As the year wrapped up and a new one awaited, the Cavaliers sealed a firm victory, signifying the ongoing expansion of the coaching tree, founded on past achievements and looking forward to future opportunities.
