Jordan Ott on Nigel Hayes-Davis: “He’s as smart of a player as I’ve ever been around IQ-wise”

Sep 28, 2025 10:45 PM

Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott was very impressed with the offseason that Nigel Hayes-Davis had.

(via Phoenix Suns):

Amanda Pflugrad: “Talking to Nigel on Media Day: he said he wants to be the first guy in, coming in as early as he can. What have you seen from his work ethic so far?”

Ott: “That is the truth. He definitely did it every day of the offseason. I think it’s not only just physically and getting himself going, but it’s the mental that he can do it: be an early riser, be a hard worker. He fought his way back into the NBA. I think if you talk to him, he’s trying to figure out how exactly that looks for him. He’s as smart of a player as I’ve ever been around IQ-wise on both ends that he’s gonna figure out how to get himself on the floor and make an impact. I think it starts by his offseason workouts, but it’s gonna translate. It’s gonna click for him.”