PHOENIX – ESPN’s NBA insiders have the Phoenix Suns projected as the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference, placing the Suns in the Play-In Tournament and suggesting they remain closer to the playoff bubble than the conference’s elite.
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
@ESPN’s NBA Insiders predict that the @Suns will be the 8th seed in the 2026-27 season with a 42-40 record.#NBA #PhoenixSuns pic.twitter.com/S2s0tHJN1K
— Ben Bliklen (@benbliklen) August 24, 2026
For a franchise built around expectations of contention, that projection should feel less like an insult and more like a challenge. Phoenix won 45 games last season under first-year coach Jordan Ott, providing evidence that the foundation can work. The offseason, however, brought meaningful changes. The Suns traded Royce O’Neale and Grayson Allen to Charlotte for Miles Bridges and added Luke Kennard in free agency while maintaining much of the roster.
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) in the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
The question is whether those moves raise the ceiling. Bridges gives Phoenix another athletic offensive option, while Kennard adds shooting that can punish defenses for collapsing. But adding talent does not automatically create a better team. The Suns must become more consistent, particularly against Western Conference opponents, if they want to escape the Play-In Tournament picture. Ott also must turn continuity into an advantage rather than allowing the roster’s individual talent to dictate the offense.
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
ESPN’s projection may ultimately prove correct. The West is unforgiving, and 45 wins was not enough to establish the Phoenix Suns as a legitimate contender. But the Suns do not need to become dramatically better to project to look foolish. They need to win the games they are supposed to win, defend consistently and turn their offensive talent into dependable execution. If Phoenix accomplishes those things, the eighth seed could look less like a prediction and more like an underestimate.
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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
