PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns open their 2026-27 campaign Wednesday night with a blend of familiar faces and new additions, hoping to build on a season that exceeded expectations.
Tyrone Corbin, who played for Phoenix from 1987-89 and later served as an assistant coach with the Suns from 2016-18, believes they have the pieces to do it.
Dec. 14, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA: Utah Jazz head coach Tyrone Corbin against the Phoenix Suns at the US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Jazz 99-84. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
“They did a good job last year,” Corbin said in an interview with NEXTPredict’s Kyle Odegard. “They’re a team that’s going to make some noise in the Western Conference, in my opinion.”
Phoenix went 45-37 last season, finishing seventh in the West after trading Kevin Durant and under the first-year leadership of general manager Brian Gregory and coach Jordan Ott. Now, with Devin Booker continuing to lead the offense and Miles Bridges joining the mix, the Suns have another opportunity to prove that last season was only the beginning of something bigger than a one-year run.
Oct 5, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Miles Bridges (22) tries to drive past Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) in the second quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
Bridges was acquired from the Charlotte Hornets in an offseason trade and averaged 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 77 games last season. His scoring, athleticism, and versatility give Phoenix another option alongside Booker.
“Miles Bridges is going to be great,” Corbin said. “Miles Bridges is way better than people give him credit for. He’s going to have a huge impact on the team.”
Bridges’ arrival could also give Booker more support offensively. Booker averaged 26.1 points and six assists in 64 games last season and remains the centerpiece of the club’s offense, but Phoenix will need consistent contributions from the rest of the roster to build on last year’s success.
Corbin believes Booker has grown increasingly aware of what it takes to win.
Oct 7, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (15) drives the ball against Chicago Bulls forward-guard Isaac Okoro (35) during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
“Booker is mature now,” Corbin said to Odegard. “He’s understanding more every year with these changes what it takes to have a chance to win.”
Corbin believes the supporting cast could determine how far Phoenix goes. Bridges, along with Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, Oso Ighodaro and others, could give the Suns more options as they navigate another competitive conference.
“[Booker is] going to get his numbers. He’s that kind of offensive skill guy,” Corbin said. “To bring in Miles Bridges and these other pieces, I think it gives them a chance to be a good team.”
Sep 28, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4), forward Dillon Brooks (3), guard Devin Booker (1), and forward Miles Bridges (22) pose for a photo on Media Day at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Phoenix will get its first chance to put the new-look roster together when it opens the season against the Portland Trail Blazers. With a retooled roster and last season’s momentum behind it, the Suns will look to establish themselves as a force in the West.
Corbin believes the potential is there. Now Phoenix must prove it over 82 games.
The 2026-27 Phoenix Suns Opening Night Roster ☄️ https://t.co/O2rRgAcmar
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) October 20, 2026
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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