Suns to Withhold Starting Center Decision Until Tipoff

Head coach Jordan Ott is keeping the starting lineup secret until the Phoenix Suns season opener this Wednesday.

Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Basketball

Suns to Withhold Starting Center Decision Until Tipoff

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Does withholding a starting lineup until game time provide a meaningful competitive advantage for sports teams?

Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott plans to delay announcing the starting center until just before the October 22 season opener against the Portland Trail Blazers. The team is withholding the lineup to gain a competitive advantage over their opponent.

Why it matters

The coaching staff is utilizing strategic secrecy to keep the Portland Trail Blazers guessing about their rotation. This competitive maneuvering aims to disrupt the opponent's defensive preparation for the upcoming contest.

Candidate Oso Ighodaro recorded a 49% free-throw shooting percentage over his two-season collegiate career. He primarily operated as a hub for playmaking and screening throughout the previous season.

The players

Jordan Ott

Jordan Ott serves as the head coach of the Phoenix Suns.

Oso Ighodaro

Oso Ighodaro is a center candidate for the Phoenix Suns who previously specialized in playmaking and screening.

Khaman Maluach

Khaman Maluach is a center candidate expected to show improvement over the upcoming season.

Duop Reath

Duop Reath is a two-way contract player for the Suns who functions as a stretch 5.

Drew Timme

Drew Timme is a two-way contract player for the Suns who provides post-up and passing play.

The details

While Oso Ighodaro received the most practice repetitions with the starters, Khaman Maluach remains a candidate for the position. Depth players Duop Reath, a stretch 5, and post-up specialist Drew Timme are also available on two-way contracts.

October 21, 2026: The potential date for a starting center announcement.
October 22, 2026: The Phoenix Suns face the Portland Trail Blazers in the season opener.

Season Trajectory

The team's decision to withhold the starting lineup until the last possible moment follows a pattern set by NBA teams aiming to maximize tactical advantages within league reporting policies. This secrecy sets a cautious tone for the start of the season as the Suns balance depth with established roles.

Oso Ighodaro received the most repetitions with the starters during the preseason, suggesting he is the likely choice for fantasy managers and bettors. The final decision will determine the frontcourt rotation that dictates team playmaking and spacing patterns during the season opener.

The takeaway

Maintaining secrecy regarding the starting center is a common tactical choice designed to force opponents into preparing for multiple lineup configurations. Fans can expect the official starting five to be revealed only when the team takes the floor on Wednesday.