PHOENIX – With all the chatter around how the Phoenix Suns will eventually perform in the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season, one former NBA star gave them credit and a prediction that they will exceed expectations. What might turn heads is who was giving the credit, as Robert Horry talked about his high hopes for Phoenix.
Feb 1, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) against the Los Angeles Clippers at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Robert Horry will forever be remembered by Phoenix Suns fans, and not in a fond way. During the 2007 Western Conference semifinals, Horry delivered a hard body check that sent Steve Nash crashing into the scorer’s table. The incident triggered a massive confrontation, followed by suspensions for Amar’e Stoudemire and Boris Diaw without any repercussions for San Antonio players after they left the bench. Phoenix lost Game 5 by three points before San Antonio eventually eliminated the Suns.
Feb 15, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Shooting stars participant Robert Horry speaks to the media during the a press conference for the all star Saturday night participants at the Hilton Americas. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
That history makes Horry’s latest prediction particularly interesting. On his Big Shot Bob podcast, Horry said he expects Phoenix to finish with a better record than many anticipate and believes the Suns can land higher than the eighth seed. Will Suns fans even be willing to listen to his reasoning behind his theory that Phoenix will be on track to outperform their projection? There is legitimate basketball reasoning behind the prediction. Phoenix already won 45 games last season, built around Booker and Brooks’ scoring and a defense capable of keeping the team competitive. Now, Miles Bridges adds athleticism and offensive versatility, while Luke Kennard provides elite perimeter shooting.
Apr 19, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) defends in the second quarter during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The bigger question is whether those changes translate into wins. For Suns fans, Horry’s endorsement may not carry much emotional weight. But if Phoenix climbs the standings, his prediction could become another reminder that the player many fans still resent may have seen the Suns’ potential.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklenÂ
