PHOENIX – Phoenix Suns basketball is back in living color on Friday, as the team begins its preseason schedule against the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite no Lebron James, the battle between Pacific division rivals has plenty to offer for fans. This is the beginning of a new ere of Suns basketball, headed by the usual suspect of Devin Booker. His supporting cast is filled with 11 new and intriguing players that’ll likely make their debut in the preseason opener.
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Sep 24, 2025; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) poses for portrait during Media Day at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
What to look for in Suns preseason opener:
The easy answer is too see how Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks look in their debut rocking the purple and orange. The duo were the main return package for the Kevin Durant trade, and will have plenty of pressure to perform. However, that expected pressure should be on the shoulder of new head coach Jordan Ott.
The 40-year-old will get debut his starting lineup, his rotations and how he wants his players to play. In his introductory press conference, Ott stated he wanted to play fast and physical. That ideology was echoed by owner Mat Ishbia, who wanted a team on the court that fans would be proud to cheer for this season.
Sep 24, 2025; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott poses for portrait during Media Day at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The 2024-2025 Suns team lacked effort and a defensive identity. Ott is aiming to address those two weaknesses head on, and Friday’s preseason game will be his first attempt to try and solve those problems. Players like Brooks and Booker will surely be key veteran leadership to help the rookie head coach install this system.
Phoenix is a fairly young team, having an average age hovering around 25 years old, the growing pains will be widely apparent. Despite that, what the fans wants, what Ishbia wants and what Ott wants from his team is effort. It’s the first preseason game, but Friday’s game is so much more for the identity of the franchise.
Jun 30, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devon Booker sits with Phoenix Mercury owner Mat Ishbia during the game between the Indiana Fever and the Phoenix Mercury at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Valley has lost hope in its basketball team, and Ishbia is working to earn that trust back. The hiring of Ott faced scrutiny, but can all be washed away in his debut coaching performance if the fans see a team that buys into their coach.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
