News Summary
The Phoenix Suns are preparing for the upcoming NBA season with significant changes, including a new head coach and roster adjustments. The team faces a playmaking dilemma following the departure of veteran Chris Paul, raising questions about their offensive capabilities. With Devin Booker and newcomer Jalen Green set to form the backcourt, their ability to share ball-handling duties will be crucial for success. The team’s focus seems to be on player development rather than immediate contention as they navigate the new dynamics essential for the season ahead.
Phoenix, Arizona—the Phoenix Suns are gearing up for the 2025-26 NBA season with notable changes, including a new head coach, Jordan Ott, and a restructured roster. A significant shift occurred in the summer of 2023 when the team traded away veteran point guard Chris Paul, raising concerns about their playmaking capabilities heading into the upcoming season.
According to analysts, the Suns are facing a playmaking dilemma as they prepare for the preseason. The projected starting backcourt will feature Devin Booker, the team’s star player, alongside newcomer Jalen Green. The duo’s ability to co-exist and effectively share ball-handling responsibilities is seen as critical for the Suns’ offensive success.
In recent seasons, the Suns have relied heavily on a few key players for their offensive strategy, particularly Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal. However, with the departure of Paul and the current roster configuration, questions linger about the team’s overall offensive firepower. Despite his scoring prowess, Jalen Green’s streaky shooting raises concerns, as he has never achieved shooting percentages of 43% from the field or 36% from three-point range.
As Coach Ott implements a fast-paced system that requires multiple ball-handlers, the Suns must adapt to different defensive styles while also addressing their limitations in shot creation and shooting efficiency. Although Booker’s assist numbers improved in the past season, the Suns struggled with a multi-ball-handler approach, presenting a further challenge for the team.
For success in the backcourt, both Booker and Green will need to develop their chemistry, particularly as they navigate defensive pressure from opposing teams. While Booker has shown growth as a playmaker, contributing a career-high in assists, he still faces challenges when confronted with tight defending.
As it stands, the Suns’ roster lacks the traditional point guard who can facilitate play effectively, which may pose hurdles for the team’s offensive efficiency. Advanced metrics indicate that while Green possesses playmaking potential, he struggles with passing efficiency and decision-making. Without reliable isolation scorers and efficient shooters outside of Booker and Green, the Suns may find it difficult to maximize their offensive capabilities.
Heading into the season, the Suns appear more focused on player development than immediate championship contention. Questions regarding their three-point shooting and overall scoring potential must be addressed to ensure the team can compete effectively.
As the Suns prepare for the challenges ahead, the dynamics between Booker and Green will be crucial to ensure offensive fluidity. Their ability to share ball-handling duties and work off each other’s strengths will play a significant role in determining the team’s success this season. The absence of traditional point guard play has led to speculation regarding the creative strategies the coaching staff may employ to enhance the team’s overall performance.
With a new coach and altered roster, the Phoenix Suns are on the precipice of a season that will test their adaptability and resilience as they seek to find their identity in a league filled with challenges and competition.
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Additional Resources
- PHNX: Devin Booker’s Best Playmaking Season Yet, or Suns’ Detriment?
- Bright Side of the Sun: Phoenix Suns Roster Analysis
- SI: Phoenix Suns Must Figure Out PG Dilemma
- New York Times: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks & Suns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Phoenix Suns
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
