nba.com ranks the phoenix suns low in its early evaluation of the western conference
Phoenix Suns Ranked Near Bottom in Early NBA.com Western Conference Power Rankings
The Phoenix Suns, once a perennial contender in the NBA’s Western Conference, find themselves in unfamiliar territory as NBA.com recently ranked them 13th out of 15 teams in its latest offseason evaluation. For a franchise that not long ago rubbed shoulders with the West’s best, this marks a dramatic fall from grace.
A Stunning Downturn
The numbers paint a stark picture: after finishing last season with just 36 wins, the Suns missed out on the playoffs and posted their first losing record since 2020. This disappointing result came on the heels of major roster upheavals, highlighted by the blockbuster trade of Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets and the buyout of Bradley Beal, who ultimately landed with the Clippers. On top of that, the team bid farewell to General Manager James Jones and head coach Mike Budenholzer.
The team is now rebuilding, looking to the future with newly appointed head coach Jordan Ott and general manager Brian Gregory. The one constant in the midst of change? Devin Booker, now the clear franchise anchor after signing a record-setting $145 million, two-year extension.
Expert Analysis and Team Dynamics
According to NBA.com’s John Schuhmann, the Suns have big questions to answer: “The Suns’ two highest-paid players are an interesting mix, and if the Suns are going to put their best players on the floor, they’ll be playing without a real point guard (which sounds familiar). Will Booker and Green — both of whom can create their own shot — get the Suns some easy baskets in transition?”
Experts and fans alike wonder if the new backcourt duo of Booker and recently acquired Green (from the Durant deal) can establish chemistry, especially with no true point guard to set the table. Some see the combo as a creative spark that might revitalize the Suns’ offense, while skeptics argue that Phoenix is set for another challenging season without a traditional playmaker.
The Suns’ tumultuous offseason places them well behind Western juggernauts like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, and Los Angeles Clippers—all teams that have continued to build on their strengths or made savvy moves during the break. Oklahoma City tops NBA.com’s rankings, while Houston, Minnesota, and the Clippers also stand ahead. For a deep dive into how other teams are grading out after the summer, check out this overview on West’s offseason moves.
Looking Forward: Mixed Perspectives on the Suns’ Rebuild
Phoenix fans are split: some are hopeful that a Booker-centric rebuild anchored by new management could yield long-term rewards, while others fear this stretch signals a stretch of mediocrity that could linger for years. To understand where the Suns stand in the broader context, take a look at these thoughts on long-term prospects around the league.
With so much change in play, the Suns’ immediate future is uncertain. Will another season without playoffs push the franchise even further down the rankings, or is this tough reset exactly what’s needed for a brighter future? Insights from the NBA summer league may offer a few clues on what Phoenix is banking on.
A Franchise at a Crossroads
As the Suns navigate one of the most pivotal periods in their recent history, all eyes are on Devin Booker and the front office’s next moves. Whether this marks the start of a rapid resurgence or a painstaking rebuild remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: the Phoenix Suns’ journey back to the top of the Western Conference will be one fans and experts are watching closely.
For more on league reactions and heartbreak across the NBA, check out fans’ perspectives here.
Source: www.azcentral.com