PHOENIX – Yahoo! Sports has placed the Phoenix Suns at No. 20 in its preseason NBA power rankings, a spot that might feel underwhelming to a fan base expecting another step forward. But look closer, and the ranking says something more interesting, as Phoenix is still being viewed as a legitimate top 20 team despite entering the season with a level of uncertainty.
Apr 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) celebrates a shot against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Kevin O’Connor’s ranking points to Phoenix’s offseason reshuffling, including the additions of Miles Bridges and Luke Kennard and the departures of Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale. Mark Williams also remains part of the team’s plans, although his recovery from shoulder surgery will keep him sidelined for multiple months. The biggest potential swing factor, however, could be Khaman Maluach. The second-year center exploded during Summer League, averaging 19.5 points and 12.8 rebounds while shooting 40% from the 3-point range across four games. The sample is small, but it offered Phoenix a glimpse of a player who could eventually stretch defenses while providing legitimate size around the basket.
Dec 23, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) against the Los Angeles Lakers at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Then there is Devin Booker. Booker remains the unquestioned centerpiece, but the concern about his efficiency creates the biggest question surrounding Phoenix’s ceiling. He averaged 25.2 points and 6.3 assists last season, meaning the Suns still have an elite offensive foundation if he can regain his most dangerous form.
New NBA Preseason Power Rankings! Counting down from 30 to 1 based on how I stack up everyone’s chances of winning the NBA Finals. Plus, I look at what’s changed, what’s exciting, and what’s concerning for each team. https://t.co/TK6CY6fnBw
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnor) September 21, 2026
That’s what makes No. 20 fascinating. Phoenix isn’t being dismissed. It’s being placed in the league’s competitive middle while carrying several unanswered questions. If Booker bounces back, Maluach translates his Summer League growth, and the revamped supporting cast clicks, the Suns could quickly make a preseason ranking look outdated.
Apr 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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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
