👋 GOOD MORNING
Happy Wednesday! Already halfway through the week — not too shabby.
I’ll get to the Suns below, but first, look, I know it’s tough without an NHL team in town, but if you haven’t been watching the NHL Playoffs, you’re missing out. What’s really crazy is that it truly looks like it’s going to be the same two teams as last year that battle for the Stanley Cup: Florida and Edmonton. There haven’t been two identical teams in back-to-back years since 2008 and 2009, when Detroit and Pittsburgh battled it out.
Detroit won in 2008 and Pittsburgh in 2009, so does that mean this year is a chance for Edmonton to exact a little revenge after a heartbreaking Game 7 loss to the Panthers last year?
It sure could. You should tune in.
On to the show!
Suns Reportedly Trim List Of Coaching Finalists
The Suns are narrowing in on their next head coach.
There’s still work to be done, though.
NBA Insider Marc Stein recently confirmed the Suns’ coaching search has been narrowed to four names:
- Chris Quinn, Miami Heat
- Sean Sweeney, Dallas Mavs
- Jordan Ott, Cleveland Cavs
- Johnnie Bryant, Cleveland Cavs
With two of those names coming from Cleveland, it’s safe to say Gregory and Co. are feeling a bit cavalier about this search.
I know, I’m sorry. Couldn’t help myself.
Those four names represent half of the previously reported list, seemingly ruling out Suns assistant David Fizdale and Pelicans assistant James Borrego. They stand out because they were the only remaining candidates that had NBA experience as a head coach.
Nets assistant Steve Hetzel and Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori were also omitted form Stein’s latest list.
Suns’ Coaching Search Just the Tip of the Iceberg for Gregory
Whoever the ultimate selection is will have their work cut out for them.
To start, the Suns will have a new head coach for the fourth time in as many seasons, and it’s still anyone’s guess what the roster will look like when the 2025-26 season kicks off. Trade rumors continue to swirl around Kevin Durant, among others, but eventually an offseason filled with uncertainty will give way to a lineup that will likely still have high expectations.
Unless Gregory goes scorched earth on the roster, of course.
Here are a few credentials for the candidates still left in a search that’s starting to feel like an extended version of ‘The Bachelor.’
- Quinn: Played for four NBA teams from 2006-2013 in addition to international play: The Heat, Nets (New Jersey), Spurs and Cavs. He has been an assistant in Miami since 2014, helping to guide the Heat to the NBA Finals twice, in 2020 and 2023.
- Sweeney: Has been an assistant since 2013, spending time with the Brooklyn Nets (2013-14), Milwaukee Bucks (2014-18), Detroit Pistons (2018-21) and the Mavs (since 2021). He has become known for solid player development, especially given his time with Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee.
- Ott: Has been an assistant since 2016, working with the Nets (2016-22), Lakers (2022-24) and Cavs (since 2024). His ties to Michigan State have garnered the most attention, though, given owner Mat Ishbia and Gregory’s ties to the university. Ott received his Master’s in East Lansing, and was also the team’s video coordinator for five years.
- Bryant: Has been an assistant (or associate head coach) since 2014 with the Jazz (2014-2020), Knicks (2020-2024) and Cavs (since 2024).
My Take: I’ve said all I can say. Wait and see, let’s see who Gregory lands on!
Snakes Not Alive: Brutal loss last night. The Diamondbacks saw a 6-0 lead over the Pirates turn into a 9-6 deficit, blowing a surefire win en route to their sixth loss in their last eight games. The loss sets up a rubber match this afternoon (12:40 pm) against Pittsburgh before Arizona kicks off a three-game set vs. Washington.
Arizona is now 160-12 all-time when leading by six runs, and the loss came against a 19-win Pittsburgh team. The Diamondbacks are again below .500, and they wasted a gem from starter Corbin Burnes after he scattered six hits while allowing only two earned runs in seven innings of work.
Great Season: The ASU men’s golf team fell 3-2 to Ole Miss in match play at the NCAA Championships, but the team has nothing to hang its head about. They put together an incredible season, and are one of just two teams to reach NCAA match play in four of the last five seasons, along with North Carolina. Congrats on a great season!
Another W: The Mercury (4-1) remained undefeated at home with a 94-89 win over Chicago (0-4) last night at PHX Arena. Stop if you’ve read this before — Satou Sabally led the team with 20 points and eight rebounds in almost 33 minutes of play, while Kitija Laksa chipped in 18 points in 24 minutes.
Phoenix is back in action on Friday when it hosts Minnesota at 7 pm (TV: ion).
It’s a Little Drafty: Make sure to check out the NBA Diehard Draft Guide — Led by ALLCITY draft analysts Derek Bodner of PHLY and Will Gottlieb of CHGO, this guide is your one-stop-shop as teams across the league gear up to reshape their rosters
Note the Diehard draft guide is best viewed on desktop or tablet!
🧢 Tip of the Hat by Branded Bills
Well, I talked about going scorched earth above — thoughts on these trades?!
