PORTLAND – The Phoenix Suns’ season opener against the Portland Trail Blazers will be more than the beginning of an 82-game schedule. It will offer the first meaningful evidence of what this new-look roster wants to become, and there are three major factors that fans should keep an eye out for.
Oct 7, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Miles Bridges (22) reacts with guard-forward Dillon Brooks (3) after being fouled against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Devin Booker has shown that he can execute the point guard role, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he should. If Jalen Green can consistently initiate the offense, Phoenix can use Booker where he is most dangerous by attacking defenses as a scorer rather than spending possessions organizing teammates. Green showed signs during the preseason that he can shoulder more creation responsibility. Opening night should reveal whether that was experimentation or the beginning of a shift.
Apr 14, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) against the Portland Trail Blazers during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Looking at how the Suns address their frontcourt will be another big factor. With Mark Williams injured, Oso Ighodaro and Khaman Maluach have an immediate opportunity. Ighodaro offers familiarity and mobility, while Maluach brings intriguing size and upside. Instead of viewing the situation as a weakness, Phoenix could benefit from genuine competition between two young big men. How the minutes are divided against Portland could provide an early indication of the coaching staff’s trust.
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
Another major question surrounding this team is how the new pieces will fit. Miles Bridges looked comfortable within the starting lineup during the preseason, while rookie Koa Peat remains one of Phoenix’s most intriguing developmental pieces. Luke Kennard’s status is also worth monitoring after his preseason knee injury. Following the departures of Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale, Kennard’s perimeter shooting could become essential to Phoenix’s spacing. Opening night won’t answer everything, but it should reveal which version of the Suns Phoenix intends to build upon.
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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, @BenBliklen
