si
Excitement is building in the Valley as the Phoenix Suns gear up for the upcoming NBA season. The team's first preseason matchup is scheduled for Monday, and the 2026-27 squad appears to be in a stronger position than it was a year ago at this time.
After making an unexpected trip to the postseason, the Suns managed to keep their core intact while bolstering their frontcourt with the additions of Miles Bridges and Koa Peat, among others. However, despite retaining most of the roster and benefiting from another year of continuity, win projections for the team have surprisingly decreased compared to last season.
In other words, the Suns are being underestimated—but general manager Brian Gregory views that as extra motivation for his players. "I think it motivates our guys in terms of maybe not the respect [they deserve] and all those different things," Gregory said. "For us, we proved last year none of that stuff matters. What matters is what we do on a daily basis, our daily habits, our daily work ethic, the connections that we make on a daily basis. Because the more connected we are as a team, the more successful we're going to be as a team. We focus on that, and then when the ball's tipped up on game night, we focus on playing Phoenix Suns basketball. Doing things the Suns way, which is critical."
Gregory continued: "If we do those things, then whatever's said in the preseason doesn't really matter. I think there was times last year where they talked about the Phoenix Suns being the best story in the NBA and so forth. So we might as well do it again. We might as well do it again and I think our guys understand exactly where we're at and what we need to get done to take that next step."
Owner Mat Ishbia shares Gregory's confidence that the Suns are close to reaching the next level. "I don't think we're that far away. And so, I think we're on our path towards it. So, how do we do a little bit more? How do we get in the playoffs without the play-in? How do we maybe win a playoff series or more? How do we continue to compete? And hopefully, most importantly, how do our fans feel?" Ishbia said. "Do you feel that we are a team you can be proud of? Do we compete at the highest level every night? Do you think that we live by what we say and continue to compete at that level? I'm hoping that you feel all those things."
Donnie Druin is the Publisher for Arizona Cardinals and Phoenix Suns On SI. Donnie moved to Arizona in 2012 and has been with the company since 2018. In college he won "Best Sports Column" in the state of Arizona for his section and has previously provided coverage for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona State Sun Devils. Follow Donnie on Twitter @DonnieDruin for more news, updates, analysis and more!