PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns are just a few days away from opening night against the Sacramento Kings after an offseason of seismic change.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Following the departures of Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, the 2025-26 NBA season marks the start of a new era in The Valley, led by first-year head coach Jordan Ott.
ESPN released its league-wide predictions for every team, and its prediction for the Suns’ season was pretty bold. So let’s analyze it.
Suns’ Biggest Talking Point
Apr 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts on the bench against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
It’s been a talking point for much of Devin Booker’s career, but ESPN thinks it’s relevant now more than ever.
“Is Devin Booker on board with the direction of the franchise? It’s hard to believe that just four years ago, Booker had back-to-back 40-point games in the NBA Finals and the Suns were just two wins away from their first championship.
“Playing for his seventh different coach in Jordan Ott since being drafted in 2015, Booker, who turns 29 on Oct. 30, said he is ready to take on the challenge of leading Phoenix in the fiercely crowded Western Conference. ‘We have unfinished business here,’ Booker said before the Suns’ preseason opener. ”
‘”Obviously a younger team and I’ll have more of a leadership responsibility. And that’s fine with me. I’ve pretty much seen it all and I’m going to give my two cents when I feel like I fits in.'”
Phoenix’s Biggest Concern
Oct 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott against the Los Angeles Lakers during an NBA preseason game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
A longtime assistant, Ott is being tasked with turning over a tumultuous season under the previous coaching staff, and Dave McMenamin views that as a massive concern.
“With this much turnover from last season, not only in the roster but with Ott taking over for Mike Budenholzer on the sidelines, it’s going to take time for this group to come together. And a preseason trip to China, cutting into training camp, didn’t help. Plus, playing in the West, there won’t be many nights when Phoenix will get a break.”
ESPN’s Bold Suns Prediction
Sep 24, 2025; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1), forward Dillon Brooks (3) and guard Jalen Green (4) pose for portrait during Media Day at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Which makes way for their official prediction. Suns fans, look away if you aren’t ready to stomach this.
” Phoenix finishes 14th in the West. The Suns have shooting guards, centers and just about nothing else on their roster, and a lack of playmaking and defense will make it hard for them to win with any consistency in such a deep conference. Utah’s a near lock to finish last in the West, but second to last is a realistic possibility for a team that, until recently, was all-in for a title.”
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