{
  "id": 15686787,
  "title": "Suns’ Jordan Ott gives intriguing update for starting center spot for season opener",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/suns-jordan-ott-gives-intriguing-update-for-starting-center-spot-for",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-20T02:30:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/suns-jordan-ott-gives-intriguing-023019142.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Two days before the Phoenix Suns' opening night, head coach Jordan Ott provided an intriguing update on the competitive battle for the starting center position. Coach Ott clarified that the team sees this as a matchup-based decision rather than a traditional full-time starter contest. Both Khaman Maluach and Oso Ighodaro bring different play styles to the table, making it difficult to determine a clear starter. Maluach, a second-year big man from Duke, possesses exceptional physical attributes, such as a 7'6 wingspan and a 9'6 standing reach, making him an ideal fit for larger teams like San Antonio, Oklahoma City, and Portland. Conversely, Ighodaro, known for his quality playmaking and ability to switch positions defensively, thrives on smaller teams like Charlotte and Golden State. Ott emphasized the importance of 48 minutes from the center position, highlighting how the matchup-based strategy can help the team secure wins throughout the season.",
  "summary": "Two days until opening night, and the intriguing roster battle for the Phoenix Suns continues . That is, of course, involving Khaman Maluach and Oso Ighodaro at the center position, according to head coach Jordan Ott. The entire team remains focused on it not being a competition of who will be the full-time starter. Rather, they view it as a […] The post Suns’ Jordan Ott gives intriguing update…",
  "key_points": [
    "Jordan Ott, Suns head coach, discusses center position battle.",
    "Khaman Maluach and Oso Ighodaro compete for starting role.",
    "Maluach's size suits larger teams, Ighodaro excels with smaller squads."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Adopting a matchup-based approach for the center position allows the Suns to maximize different physical and playmaking strengths depending on the specific tactical requirements of each upcoming opponent.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}