Latest news and updates about the Suns
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Jordan Goodwin is emerging as a bright spot for the Phoenix Suns early in the 2026‑27 season. Despite a 1‑2 start and injuries to Oso Ighodaro and Mark Williams, Goodwin’s hustle, rebounding and playmaking have helped keep the team competitive, highlighted by his impact in the 131‑122 win over the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 24. The Suns struggle with three‑point shooting (31.9%, 20th) and offensive rebounding (27th), but Goodwin’s versatility—attacking gaps, creating assists and battling the boards—offers a template for the roster. Critics note inconsistent performances from Jalen Green, Devin Booker and others, underscoring the need to build around Goodwin’s energy.
The Suns are still being haunted by the Kevin Durant trade as former player Mikal Bridges is exactly what this team needs to be competitive in 2026.
Phoenix Suns and Mercury CEO Josh Bartelstein, together with his wife Sydney, have launched a scholarship program in partnership with the nonprofit RAMMS to fund youth participation in the Jr. Suns and Jr. Mercury basketball leagues. The initiative covers registration fees, equipment, tickets and other resources for K‑8 students, aiming to lower the cost barrier for families across Arizona. The program underscores the teams' community commitment and opens registration through RAMMS.org, offering more kids the chance to learn basketball fundamentals and develop life‑skills on and off the court.
Rookie Gonzaga alum Graham Ike earns his first NBA start for the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 23, scoring 10 points in 12 minutes against Memphis and logging a 12‑point, 10‑rebound double‑double the next night versus Phoenix. Undrafted and signed to an Exhibit‑10 deal in June, Ike’s early minutes shine amid a rebuilding Warriors roster. The piece also notes fellow Zags Jalen Suggs’ 14‑point outing for Orlando before a knee bone bruise sidelines him for two weeks, and highlights Andrew Nembhard’s solid start with Indiana. Connections between Gonzaga’s Mark Few and Warriors’ Steve Kerr hint at more opportunities for Ike this season.
Toumani Camara looks to be making a real leap for the Trail Blazers to leave the struggling Suns thinking about what might have been.
The Phoenix Suns’ early season woes stem from disorganized offense and a leaky rebounding defense. In their first three games they allowed a league‑high 15.7 offensive rebounds and 23.0 second‑chance points per game, while opponents grabbed 43.3% of their own misses. The team sits last in defensive rating and its five‑man starting unit has the worst net rating among lineups with 25+ minutes together. Injuries compound the issue, with center Mark Williams out and rookie Khaman Maluach forced into a larger role, while Booker, Green, Brooks and Bridges still lack offensive cohesion. Fixing rebounding and defensive possessions will be crucial for the Suns to avoid a repeat of last season’s late surge.
The Portland Trail Blazers have moved second‑year center Yang Hansen to their G League affiliate, the Rip City Remix, announcing the decision on X. Hansen, the 16th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has logged just one appearance this season, scoring 5 points with 3 rebounds in 12 minutes against the Phoenix Suns. After split stints between the NBA squad and the Remix during his rookie year, the team formalizes his assignment to the G League for further development.
The Oklahoma City Thunder confirm that forward Jalen Williams has had successful surgery to repair a fractured left fibula and dislocated ankle, with ligament reconstruction completed. The injury occurred in the fourth quarter of the Thunder's 112-108 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, and he will be re‑evaluated after the 2026‑27 regular season. With Williams sidelined and perimeter defender Cason Wallace out indefinitely due to a torn labrum, Oklahoma City relied on Ajay Mitchell and Jared McCain, who started in Monday's victory over the Phoenix Suns.
The idea of Luke Kennard on the Suns was brilliant, but the reality after three games is that he can't have the desired impact if the team can't defend.
Oso Ighodaro's absence being felt this much by the Suns is a concern because the former second-round pick should not be this important to the team.
After a 43‑point outburst against Golden State, Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker sputters with just three points on 1‑of‑7 shooting in a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Oct. 26. The article examines how the Suns’ new‑look lineup and a cramped schedule—only three games played by the team so far—are exposing inconsistencies in Booker’s game, citing his lack of three‑point attempts against Portland and his defeated body language. It also questions whether the Suns should consider a trade before the December 15 deadline, given Booker’s dip from his former All‑NBA form.
Mavericks CEO Rick Welts announces his retirement at the end of 2026, handing the reins to President Ethan Casson as the team's new CEO and alternate governor. Welts, a Hall of Famer who returned in 2024 after stints with the Suns, Warriors and the NBA, has overseen a major organizational overhaul. Casson, who joined Dallas in 2025 after leading the Timberwolves/Lynx and serving as COO of the 49ers, brings 20+ years of sports‑business experience to guide the franchise into its next chapter.
After losing starters Jalen Williams (torn fibula, dislocated ankle) and Cason Wallace (torn shoulder), the Oklahoma City Thunder lean on guard Ajay Mitchell, who drops a career‑high 30 points in a 125-114 win over the Phoenix Suns. Mitchell shoots 10‑for‑16, adds five assists and a block, and says the victory honors his injured teammates. With All‑Star Chet Holmgren sidelined by tendinitis and Alex Caruso out with a sprained ankle, Mitchell embraces a larger role as the Thunder aim to stay unbeaten heading into a matchup with the Dallas Mavericks.
Former Suns player‑turned‑analyst Eddie Johnson tells NextPredict’s Kyle Odegard that the Phoenix Suns must make Devin Booker the unquestioned focal point of their offense if they hope to mount another championship run. Johnson stresses that Booker should take the most shots, especially in the fourth quarter, and embrace the role of a definitive star who demands the ball in clutch moments. He praises Booker’s recent mindset shift and reminds fans that the Suns’ 2021 Finals run proves the guard can lead deep into the postseason, but sustained aggression and accountability are now required.
The Phoenix Suns’ early-season struggles aren’t caused by a deliberate small‑ball strategy but by injuries to both primary big men, forcing coach Jordan Ott to field undersized lineups. In the first three games the usual five—Booker, Brooks, Bridges, Green and Khaman Maluach—posted a dismal net rating of –35.5, while a tiny combo of Collin Gillespie, Jalen Green, Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks and Miles Bridges recorded a –105.2 net rating over just six minutes. By contrast, a five with Gillespie, Jordan Goodwin, Luke Kennard, Miles Bridges and Ryan Dunn posted a +31.8 net rating (offensive 131.8, defensive 100.0). The article argues that small‑ball is a forced necessity, not a tactical choice, and urges patience until the Suns regain healthy center depth.
The latest "Fanning the Flames" podcast dives into the Phoenix Suns' opening games, questioning whether the team is headed for disaster, dissecting Devin Booker's recent performance, and exploring any signs of optimism for the season. Hosts Paul, Dan, and Justin break down the early trends and invite listener feedback, with links to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
The Phoenix Suns have moved away from what made Devin Booker and the team successful last season, as Sam Vecenie has painfully and perfectly highlighted.
Collin Gillespie can help the Suns rediscover their spark from last season, but inserting him into the starting lineup will not fix every problem this team has.
The Suns need to undo this dreadful Miles Bridges trade, and getting the Thunder to overpay with picks for some of their role players would be a massive help.
Phoenix Suns struggle on both ends of the floor without second‑round pick Oso Ighodaro, who is out with an oblique injury. In the 129 minutes he’s missed, the Suns are a –36 point differential, with assist percentage down 6.7% and steal percentage down 8.3%. Ighodaro’s passing, rebounding, switchable defense and rim protection keep the team organized, and his absence has led to defensive confusion and offensive disjointedness. Despite criticism of his shooting, the blog argues his intangibles are vital as Phoenix works to regain stability ahead of the upcoming Denver game.
The Thunder sit 4‑0 despite losing Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace, Chet Holmgren and Alex Caruso, putting more MVP weight on Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander as Oklahoma City battles injuries. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers’ rookie Peyton Watson impressed in a 124‑121 overtime win over Minnesota, tallying three steals, four blocks and a team‑high 14 contested shots, though his three‑point shooting remains a work in progress (2‑of‑14). Atlanta’s second‑unit spark, Aaron Wiggins, is questionable with a knee contusion as the Hawks try to extend Miami’s early losing streak; coach Quin Snyder may lean on Corey Kispert, Lu Dort or Jock Landale for scoring. The note previews how injuries could shape each team’s early season trajectory.
The Phoenix Suns' defense has unraveled early in the 2026‑27 season, allowing 123.7 points per game—the fifth most in the league—and posting the worst defensive rating (124.5). In just three games they’ve surrendered 143 points to Portland, 122 to a weakened Golden State squad, and 125 to Oklahoma City, while ranking 29th in perimeter defense (opponents shooting 40.7% from three) and dead‑last in rebounding at 42.9%. Injuries to Booker, Brooks, and Williams may be a factor, but the article argues the issues stem from systemic lapses, with guards penetrating unchecked and the big men arriving too late. The piece warns that without a major defensive fix, Phoenix could repeat last season’s late‑year collapse.
Ahead of the Thunder’s Monday matchup with the Phoenix Suns, center Isaiah Hartenstein delivers an emotional tribute to teammates Jalen Williams, who suffers a season‑ending injury, and guard Cason Wallace, sidelined by a left‑shoulder tear. Wearing Williams’ jersey, Hartenstein says the squad will play with added pride and camaraderie, emphasizing their bond off the court. He also jokes about a jersey mix‑up with Wallace. Hartenstein contributes 15 points, 13 rebounds and three assists in the 125‑114 win, as Oklahoma City embarks on a three‑game road stretch starting against the Mavericks.
Throughout a surprising 45-win campaign a season ago, defense was the Phoenix Suns' calling card. It's almost entirely disappeared to start the new season.