RSS Suns Team Notes

[JJ]

OH MAN DILLON BROOKS IS THAT DUDE!! 40 POINTS ON HIS OWN VILLAIN NIGHT?! YOU CANNOT WRITE THIS STUFF ANY BETTER!!

Look, I'm a Bills fan through and through, but I gotta give credit where credit is due - this Suns team is GRITTY. Beating the top team in the East without Booker AND Jalen Green? That's some serious dog in them. Reminds me of how we play in Buffalo when the chips are down.

And can we PLEASE talk about how absolutely RIDICULOUS the officiating situation is with Brooks?? Three rescinded techs this season, TWO from the same ref Curtis Blair?? When the player himself KNOWS the call is getting rescinded before he even leaves the court, that's a MASSIVE problem. The league needs to get their act together. It's embarrassing honestly. You got refs out here targeting a guy because of his reputation instead of actually watching the plays.

Brooks plays with that edge that every championship team needs. He's the guy who gets under everyone's skin and backs it up. 14 techs with like half of them being questionable at best is insane. The dude is two techs away from a suspension and he's gotta walk on eggshells because refs have it out for him.

Anyway, Gillespie with that video bomb saying "we have two All-Stars" is HILARIOUS. Love the chemistry on this squad. Back-to-back against the Cavs tomorrow should be interesting. Let's see if they can keep this momentum rolling!

 

[Phoenix Suns]

Injury Update: Jalen Green available to play against Cavaliers

Jan 23, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) drives to the basket against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Last Friday was a tough one for Jalen Green. After returning the game before against the Philadelphia 76ers, he suited up in Atlanta for the Suns’ final stop on that road trip. It lasted 4:14. Then came the exit. Hamstring tightness. Precautionary, we were told. The contrast was immediate. Back on the floor one night, back in street clothes the next. And we have not seen him since.

That appears ready to change tonight as the Suns take on the Cleveland Cavaliers on the second night of a back-to-back.

Jalen Green is not on the injury report for tonight's Suns game against the Cavaliers.

Devin Booker (right ankle sprain) remains out.

No Darius Garland (right toe sprain), Evan Mobley (lefet calf strain) or Max Strus (left foot surgery) for Cleveland.

— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) January 30, 2026

That is real news. The good kind. For Green, and for the organization. We do not know the minutes. We do not know the workload. We do not know how much stress that hamstring will see. But suiting up a week later matters. It signals optimism. It signals confidence.

Because hamstrings carry ghosts. A tweak, a return, another tweak, weeks lost, then doubt creeping in. That cycle can linger. It can mess with rhythm and trust.

This does not feel like that. This feels measured. It feels controlled. And if he is available tonight, it suggests the Suns believe it is stable. Calm after concern. Availability after uncertainty. And for a team that needs continuity, seeing Jalen Green back on the floor is a step in the right direction.

---

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...ng-available-vs-cavaliers-lineup-impact-stats

 

[Phoenix Suns]

Oso Ighodaro is blossoming into a vital rotation piece for the Phoenix Suns

Jan 29, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro (11) against the Detroit Pistons at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Phoenix Suns have themselves something in Oso Ighodaro, and it’s becoming harder to ignore by the game.

Early in the season, this wasn’t obvious. Ighodaro was showing flashes of some of the same struggles he faced as a rookie adjusting to the league a year ago. A step slow. Thinking instead of reacting. Trying to find where he fits. There were moments where it felt like he was just surviving possessions rather than impacting them.

Then, everything suddenly clicked. His confidence grew. He wasn’t afraid to mix it up and play physically. He was barking back at teammates. It was growth in real-time right before our eyes.

Quietly, steadily, Oso Ighodaro has turned himself into an important rotation piece for this Suns team, and it’s happening in the exact ways winning teams value most.

Oso Ighodaro had 4 offensive rebounds last night against Detroit.

He generated 10 points off those 4 extra possessions.

Tap out to Grayson for 3.
Putback 2.
Putback 2.
Tap out that led to a Brooks 3.

That's winning basketball. pic.twitter.com/4N2z6Kw1u4

— Zona (@AZSportsZone) January 30, 2026

Part of his rapid development can be attributed to Dillon Brooks taking him under his wing and showing him tough love. Kellan Olson put a great piece highlighting that relationship, along with Oso’s growth.

“Finally, he yelled at me. Finally,” Brooks said. “Been waiting for that, been getting under his skin for about three months. Finally, he exploded.” That’s when things clicked.

Another great nugget from Kellan in that piece: In 614 minutes together, Phoenix is outscoring teams by 11.7 points per 100 possessions when the pair of Ighodaro and Gillespie is out there. This duo is on some Steph/Draymond level of chemistry and playing off each other — it’s fun to watch.

Defense​

Let’s start with the defense, because that’s where his case really takes shape. Ighodaro moves incredibly well on that end. He switches. He slides. He recovers.

He doesn’t look panicked when guards get him on an island. In fact, opponents are scoring just 0.70 points per possession against him in isolation, which puts him in the 98th percentile in defensive DPM. That is not noise. That is elite territory.

6'11 and 23 years old moving insane on the defensive end…

Holds opponents to 0.70 PPP in isolation. 98th percentile D-DPM. Suns elite defensively when he's on the court. Some special defensive disruption stuff here. Worth paying attention to. pic.twitter.com/OZZvrGmeV7 https://t.co/btQIaOStqm

— Basketball University (@UofBasketball) January 29, 2026

When he’s on the floor, the Suns are flat-out better defensively. You can see it in the activity level, and you can feel it in how possessions get disrupted. He blows up handoffs. He tags rollers. He rotates early. He’s not hunting blocks or highlights. He’s just making life harder for opponents, which is the 2025-26 Phoenix Suns mantra.

Playmaking​

What’s made his rise even more valuable is that it’s not just defense. His playmaking has become a real plus. Ighodaro is comfortable making reads from the short roll, hitting cutters, and keeping the ball moving. He doesn’t stall the offense.

Oso Ighodaro passing out of the short roll >>> pic.twitter.com/LFyVXKLLrf

— Shane Young (@YoungNBA) December 28, 2025

He doesn’t force things. He understands spacing and timing, which is rare for a young big trying to earn trust.

The 40th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft is a testament to why draft picks and player development matter, even in the 2nd round.

Here’s how Phoenix has acquired key rotation pieces in recent years:

• Oso Ighodaro – 40th pick
• Jordan Goodwin – waiver claim
• Collin Gillespie – two-way contract
• Jamaree Bouyea – two-way contract

This is a win for all of us screaming how important winning on the margins was for years.

You can see it in his minutes. You can see it in the lineups he’s part of. He’s no longer just a developmental piece getting spot run. He’s a functional part of the rotation who gives the Suns something specific. Defensive versatility, energy, and connective play that doesn’t need touches to matter.

This didn’t happen overnight. There were early struggles. There were growing pains. But instead of fading, Ighodaro leaned into what he could control. Effort. Defense. Decision making. That’s usually the path for young players who stick.

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...tion-piece-defense-playmaking-development-nba

 

[Phoenix Suns]

3 stats that capture the Suns’ peaks, valleys, and identity

After thinking about what shape my next article should take, one idea naturally imposed itself: telling the Suns’ season through three statistics, or rather three groups of statistics. Numbers that speak, each in their own way. Some positive, others more concerning, and others simply revealing the team’s style of play this season, without judgment.

The more abstract data will be explained, contextualized, and turned into a story. Think of this article as a hat filled with little slips of paper: you know why you reach in, you trust the process, but you have no idea what you’re going to pull out. One thing is certain: you’re in for a good time.

---

Free Throw Rate​

Here’s the first slip drawn: the “FT Rate.” But what is it? It’s simply the number of free throws attempted per 100 possessions. Logically, the higher the number, the more an offense generates trips to the line. This season, the Suns rank 25th, with 19 free throws attempted per 100 possessions. Pretty mediocre at first glance (though numbers always come with nuance and context). For comparison, it’s the 6th‑worst mark in franchise history since 2003‑04.

But as I said, there’s a reason behind it, and you may have guessed it. This season, Phoenix barely plays in the paint. Only 25% of their shots come within 4 feet of the rim (compared to 35% from mid‑range and 40% from three). And since that’s the area where fouls are most often called, it explains the team’s low Free Throw Rate.

I also think the team lacks a crafty foul‑baiter, someone who can squeeze a few easy points at the line. Outside of the trio Williams, Brooks, and Booker — all above +6 in this metric — the rest of the roster sits at 0 or below (shoutout to Grayson at +2). For once this season, the team depends heavily on a few individuals.

I’ve talked about the Suns’ own score, but not yet about their opponents’ when facing Phoenix, and it’s just as “mediocre” for the Valley: opponents post a 23 FTR (league average is 21). Meaning that this season, Phoenix loses this battle more often than not. A defense this aggressive and courageous is effective, but it still shows clear limits: giving up a lot of free throws is one of them. But Phoenix knows how to play through its weaknesses, which is why it’s hovering around a 60% win rate.

Isolation Defense​

The Phoenix Suns have been remarkably dominant defensively in isolation this season. With an allowed Points Per Possession (PPP) of just 0.77, they lead the league in this category, ranking 1st with a perfect 100th percentile, meaning no team defends one‑on‑one better this year. Their ability to force turnovers is just as impressive: with a 17% turnover rate on isolation possessions, they’re also first in the NBA.

For historical comparison, since 2014, Phoenix ranks 2nd and 9th among all teams in these two metrics. The Suns’ defense is historically elite in many areas, and as a big fan of defense, it’s a joy to watch.

6'11 and 23 years old moving insane on the defensive end…

Holds opponents to 0.70 PPP in isolation. 98th percentile D-DPM. Suns elite defensively when he's on the court. Some special defensive disruption stuff here. Worth paying attention to. pic.twitter.com/OZZvrGmeV7 https://t.co/btQIaOStqm

— Basketball University (@UofBasketball) January 29, 2026

This statistical duo reflects an ultra‑disciplined defense, capable of both containing opposing creators and capitalizing on their mistakes, whether in reading, decision‑making, or positioning. It’s a pillar of their defensive identity, carried notably by players who shine in this area: Dillon Brooks, Oso Ighodaro, Ryan Dunn, and Jordan Goodwin.

Consistency Rating​

The “Consistency Rating” is a stat I recently found on NBAstuffer.com. It’s calculated from game‑to‑game variations in efficiency differential. In short, the lower the number, the more stable and reliable a team’s performance is. This season, among the most unpredictable teams, you’ll find the Knicks, Charlotte, and the Lakers, all above 16. On the opposite end, Denver, Detroit, and Dallas are among the most consistent (scores below 13), regardless of context.

The Suns, unfortunately, sit in the bottom 10 with a Consistency Rating of 15.8 (23rd). Concretely — and I find this fascinating for pseudo‑prediction — a score of 15.8 means that from one game to the next, the Suns’ net rating changes by about 15 to 16 points on average. A recent example: Phoenix lost by 9 to the Heat, then won by 4 against the Nets (a 13‑point swing). Continuing from the Brooklyn game, they then beat the Pistons by 18 (a 14‑point swing).

Phoenix’s performances aren’t predictable, but we can still expect a dip here and there. The level swings drastically, but it’s not necessarily alarming: the game plan is stable (offensively and defensively). What causes this irregularity, in my opinion, is their shooting variance, especially from deep. Take a random stretch from December 17 to 27: the Suns shot 29%, 34%, 41%, 20%, 45% from three. A roller coaster, to say the least.

The point differentials over those five games are also wild: +1, -3, +24, +7, +9. Over that stretch, the differentials are fairly stable, but the third game blows everything up. Again, not alarming, but it does raise questions for a potential postseason. The Suns can beat anyone…but they can also collapse against a weaker team if the shooting doesn’t follow.

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In the end, these three stats paint a nuanced portrait of the Phoenix Suns: a talented team, sometimes frustrating, but always fascinating. This is not a linear team. It’s a team of peaks and valleys, of runs, of stretches where everything clicks and others where nothing falls. A team that can beat anyone… and make life difficult against anyone.

So the question isn’t whether the Suns are good. They are. The real question is which version of themselves they’ll choose to show when the pressure rises. And let’s not forget: this is the first year of this group. The best is still ahead. I trust everyone within the franchise. See you for the game against the Clippers (yes, another Sunday with me…).

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...tion-defense-consistency-rating-team-identity

 

[Phoenix Suns]

SBN Reacts: Life without Devin Booker is becoming a shared responsibility

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 30: Collin Gillespie #12 of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the second half of the NBA game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Mortgage Matchup Center on January 30, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Devin Booker remains sidelined after rolling his right ankle on the foot of Onyeka Okongwu against the Atlanta Hawks on January 23. We still do not have a firm return date, though a reevaluation should be coming any day now. That has naturally shifted the conversation to one central question. Who should take on a larger role with Booker out?

We asked that earlier in the week, before the Suns faced the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers, two games in which Dillon Brooks averaged 33.5 points. That matters, because the idea of who should take on the role is not always the same as who actually does. So far, the answer on the court has been Dillon Brooks.

The community saw it differently. 63% voted for Collin Gillespie to take on a larger role with Booker out, and the logic tracks.

Someone has to absorb Booker’s shot diet, which sits at 18.4 attempts per game. Brooks was already hovering near that number, averaging 17 shot attempts per night before the injury. Gillespie, on the other hand, was at 10.6.

Since Booker went down, the numbers have barely moved for Gillespie. Over four games, Brooks is up to 18.5 shot attempts per game, while Gillespie sits at 10.7. The role has expanded for one player, and it has largely stayed the same for the other.

The hope is that this question becomes a moot point because Devin Booker should be back sooner rather than later. With the All-Star break looming, however, there is also a built-in opportunity for extra rest if the medical staff feels he is not quite ready by then. Eight days are baked into that break, essentially an extra week to heal and reset.

The real answer, though, feels collective. Everybody has to pitch in, and so far, everybody has. In the latest win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, seven Suns scored in double figures. That is the blueprint. You do not replace Devin Booker by piling more responsibility onto one set of shoulders. You replace him by sharing it, moving it around, and taking it on together as a team.

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...-attempts-dillon-brooks-collin-gillespie-role

 

[Phoenix Suns]

A night where the Suns never found rhythm

PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 1: John Collins #20 of the LA Clippers drives to the basket during the game against the Phoenix Suns on February 1, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Some nights, the mountain in front of you feels too steep to climb. Sunday night was one of those nights for the Suns against the Clippers.

Yes, they have competed well without Devin Booker and Jalen Green this season. That part is real. But against this matchup, rhythm never arrived. The midrange game fell apart as they went 12-of-47 (25.5%) from two. Turnovers did not turn into points (18 Clipper turnovers resulted in just 13 Suns’ points). And the size disadvantage, which at times teased the idea of swinging the game, never actually did. The Clippers saw it, smelled it, and went straight to the paint. Over and over. Relentless. Punishing.

That is the contrast the league offers sometimes. Effort without reward. Fight without flow. The Suns showed up. They worked. But execution never caught up, and the mountain never moved.

Nights like this happen in the NBA. Not every climb is meant to be conquered. Sometimes the lesson is simply knowing when the slope was too sharp, even if you kept putting one foot in front of the other.

Bright Side Baller Season Standings​

Climb that ladder, D. Brooks! With his 27 points in an impressive win against the Cavs, Dillon Brooks has now chalked up 8 Bright Side Ballers on the year, tying him with Collin Gillespie.

I don’t know much. But I do know that I did not see this coming from Brooks. Simply unreal.

Bright Side Baller Nominees​

Game 50 against the Clips. Here are your nominees:

Grayson Allen
23 points (7-of-21, 4-of-13 3PT), 1 rebound, 8 assists, 2 steals, 0 turnovers, -3 +/-

Dillon Brooks
22 points (7-of-20, 4-of-6 3PT), 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 0 turnovers, -1 +/-

Jordan Goodwin
12 points (4-of-9, 4-of-7 3PT), 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 0 turnovers, -6 +/-

Collin Gillespie
12 points (4-of-13, 4-of-10 3PT), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 0 turnovers, -15 +/-

Royce O’Neale
9 points (3-of-8, 3-of-8 3PT), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 0 steals, 1 turnover, -4 +/-

Mark Williams
7 points (3-of-6), 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, 1 turnover, -1 +/-

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Who gets it?

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...vers-paint-scoring-without-booker-jalen-green

 

[Phoenix Suns]

Suns wing snubbed of All-Star appearance?

PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 1: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns. looks on during the game against the LA Clippers on February 1, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Phoenix Suns have been off to a terrific start with already 30 wins under their belt before the All-Star Break. This is a complete 180 compared to last year, as this version of the Suns is viewed as one of the best underdog stories, whereas last year, they were one of the biggest failures. That being said, the Suns have dealt with injuries just like in past years, but have powered through with the depth pieces rising.

One of those big standouts is Dillon “The Villain” Brooks, who has been a massive piece to the Suns’ success this year.

Brooks has come up clutch multiple times for this team, taking over when he needs to be the major x factor on offense. In a recent game, we just saw the proof of this as Devin Booker, Jalen Green, and Collin Gillespie were all out against the top-seeded Detroit Pistons. What did Brooks do? Well, he dropped a career-high 40 points and routed them by almost 20 points.

Dillon Brooks ERUPTED in tonight's win

40 PTS (career-high)
8 REB
4 AST
4 3PM pic.twitter.com/0v2j4jNIfq

— NBA (@NBA) January 30, 2026

Even with all this positive talk and endorsement from fans and players on the squad, Brooks was still snubbed of an All-Star appearance this year. This has left many fans, including myself, confused about how this could have occurred.

"Tell everybody, we have two All-Stars on the team! This man is an All-Star"

Collin Gillespie speaking the TRUTH after Dillon Brooks' career night against the Pistons pic.twitter.com/qdcqXdTupa

— PHNX Suns (@PHNX_Suns) January 30, 2026

Luckily, the Suns were at least represented with Devin Booker making it, but this still does not fill the void left by Brooks’ not being there. As I stated earlier, he has come up huge for this team and has been the second or third option on most nights this year. Just look at his recent stats while Booker has been out, with Green sporadically playing as well.

Dillon Brooks over the last 4 games:

29.8 PPG
4.5 RPG
3.0 APG
1.3 SPG
1.0 BPG
56.8% FG
47.6% 3P
89.3% FT
31.9 MPG

All-Star numbers. https://t.co/26sFKVhggd pic.twitter.com/Eksb4cTUjC

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 31, 2026

Even with his awe-inspiring numbers as of late, he has been helping this team win all season long. For someone who was viewed as a throw-in in the Kevin Durant trade, he has changed that narrative, becoming the most valuable piece from that deal so far. This season, he is averaging some career-high numbers. In 31 minutes, he averages 21.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.2 blocks while shooting 45/36/86 from the field. An efficient shooting season while being a leader on both ends clearly captures how much he means to this team.

So, how did he not make it, you may be asking? Well, as we can see, this was the list of other reserves from the Western Conference.

2026 NBA Western Conference All-Star Reserves:

Anthony Edwards (MIN)
Jamal Murray (DEN)
Chet Holmgren (OKC)
Kevin Durant (HOU)
Devin Booker (PHX)
Deni Avdija (POR)
LeBron James (LAL)

— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) February 1, 2026

Even with Brooks not making it, there were a lot of snubs from the Western Conference. Depending on who you ask, they will give a different name, but with it being in Los Angeles at the Intuit Dome, I would have expected a Clipper to make it with their success as of late. Regardless of that, to me, there is a clear person Brooks could have replaced.

Now, this is no hate on that person, but this year it is clear they are not an All-Star and only got the bid for legacy’s sake, and it is LeBron James. James, who was out to start the season, is having an impressive year 23 for sure, but not one that is clearly better than Brooks. He also is not helping the impact of winning on that team, compared to Brooks for the Suns.

That is why it stings most, because of how much Brooks has meant to the success of this Suns team. He has played in a majority of their games, missing only six so far this season, and every time he is needed, he steps up to deliver. It does not matter on which side of the ball it is; he always has the fighting energy to contribute and make a difference. With that fuel, he powers not only for himself but this team as well to make a difference on both ends.

Brooks was so impactful in fact that he earned Western Conference player of the week, for his tremendous play. This is just more proof that he has been a leader who has stepped up countless times for the squad’s success. He is the definition of someone you want on your team and someone you would hate to go against.

WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: DILLON BROOKS pic.twitter.com/8PJ2GzhwJO

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) February 2, 2026

So even if Dillon is not an All-Star and is not going to be represented, he is still an All-Star to me in my heart. He has helped the Suns change their narrative this year by proving those doubters and haters wrong. That is the best fuel for this team to continue succeeding, especially Brooks, who never backs down.

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...points-stats-lebron-james-comparison-reserves

 

[Phoenix Suns]

Dillon Brooks named Western Conference Player of the Week

Jan 30, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Phoenix Suns wing Dillon Brooks was named the Western Conference Player of the Week for the week of January 26th-February 1st, the NBA announced today.

This honor marks the first career Player of the Week for Brooks. A much-deserved recognition of his stellar play.

WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: DILLON BROOKS pic.twitter.com/8PJ2GzhwJO

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) February 2, 2026

In 4 games on the week, Brooks averaged 28.8 points on 53.5% shooting (54.3 3PFG%), 4.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.0 steals while guiding the Suns to a 3-1 record. This boost in performance from Brooks was much needed with Devin Booker sidelined.

On the night of a “Dillon The Villain” t-shirt giveaway for Suns fans, he scored a career-high 40 points in a 114-96 win over the Pistons. He followed that performance with a game-high 27 points the next night in a 126-113 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Brooks scored 25-plus points in the first three games of the week, setting a new career-long streak with four straight games scoring at least 25 points. In short, he’s on an absolute heater.

In 44 games this season, Brooks is averaging a career-high 21.1 points per game, 3.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.1 steals, while shooting a career-best 44.6% from the field and 36.0% from three-point range.

The Villain’s averages en route to his first-career Western Conference POTW:

28.8 PPG
4.8 RPG
2.8 APG
53.5 FG%
54.5 3FG% pic.twitter.com/Fo1i2JjZaK

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) February 2, 2026

Per Suns PR, he became the 5th player in franchise history with 800-plus points and 40-plus steals through the first 40 games with the Suns (Stephon Marbury, Walter Davis, Tom Chambers, Charles Barkley) and recorded his 1,000th-career three-pointer on Feb. 1 against the Clippers.

He may not have been rewarded with an All-Star appearance, but he took home the honors of an award he hadn’t received in his nine-year NBA career. Well deserved for the Villain.

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...s-named-western-conference-player-of-the-week

 

[Phoenix Suns]

The uneasy middle of Ryan Dunn’s second season

Jan 30, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (0) against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The 2025-26 season for Ryan Dunn was supposed to be about growth. About progress. About turning promise into something tangible. Drafted 28th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Dunn represents a real piece of the Suns’ future. This is a team without draft capital. A team that does not fully control its own first-round fate for another six seasons. That reality changes the math. Development is not optional. It is essential.

Which is why the Ryan Dunn conversation feels heavier than it should this early.

It is still too soon to lock in a final verdict. Development is not linear. Progress does not always move in straight lines. But it does feel like something has shifted, and not in the direction you would hope.

Dunn’s rookie season laid a reasonable foundation. He appeared in 74 games and started 44 of them. He averaged 19.1 minutes and 6.9 points per game, with 3.6 rebounds, 0.8 assists, and 0.6 steals. There was enough there to work with. The red flags were obvious, especially shooting efficiency. He finished at 43% from the field and 31.1% from three. That was the swing skill. That was the area for growth.

The second season began with optimism. Dunn started 11 of the first 16 games. His role expanded. At 24.1 minutes per night, he averaged 8.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.4 steals, while bumping his three-point shooting to 34%. It felt like traction. Then came the right wrist sprain. Five games missed. And since that moment, the arc has bent the wrong way.

He has not started a game since. In the 27 games following the injury, his minutes dropped to 17.6 per night. The production followed. 4.7 points. 4.0 rebounds. 0.7 steals. Shooting fell to 39.8% overall and 28.3% from beyond the arc. The contrast is sharp. Opportunity narrowed. Confidence looks shaken.

Ryan Dunn this season:

First 16 games:
11 starts
24.1 MP, 8.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 34 3PT%

Wrist Injury

Last 27 games:
0 starts
17.6 MP, 4.7 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 28.3 3PT% pic.twitter.com/4N2FVY9oT6

— John Voita, III (@DarthVoita) February 3, 2026

The recent trend is even more concerning. Over his last seven games, Dunn has averaged 13.7 minutes and shot 18.2% from three. That is not stagnation. That is slippage.

So functionally, he has played himself out of the rotation. His role has shrunk into something narrow and specific. A short stint late in the first quarter, a brief look early in the second, then sporadic minutes if the flow allows it.

I have seen it up close. This looks like a player without confidence. And confidence usually disappears when repetitions do. Being played out of the lineup is not random. It is earned. Other players are stepping in and giving consistent effort paired with shot-making. That combination is what makes this team go, and Dunn in being left behind.

Here is the contrast. Defense is the baseline in this system. You have to disrupt. Jump passing lanes. Pester. Compete. Ryan Dunn has shown that before. He has not shown it consistently lately. And even when the defense shows up, survival in this offense requires one more thing. You have to make threes.

Look at Jordan Goodwin. Look at Isaiah Livers, the player who has jumped Dunn in the rotation. Even with the Suns lacking size, especially at the forward spots, those players stay on the floor because they marry defensive intensity with shooting. That is the currency.

Which brings us to the uncomfortable but practical idea. A G League stint might help. Not as a demotion. As a reset. More reps. More shots. More game speed confidence. When you watch Dunn shoot, the foundation is there. He is squared. The release is quick. The mechanics are clean. The ball simply does not go in. Last season, he shot 31.1% from three. This year, he is at 30.8%. That is not growth. That is regression.

None of this means the Suns should give up on him. Not even close. That is not who this organization is. That is not the path they take with young players. If anything, this moment demands more intentional development. More investment. And that circles back to patience.

Send Ryan Dunn to the G League

— Suns JAM Session Podcast (@SunsJAM) February 2, 2026

With the trade deadline approaching, attaching Dunn to a deal should not be the move. He does not move the needle financially. He might appeal as a project, but he is not the piece that swings a trade. More importantly, he is part of the future. That requires time. It requires reps. It requires that word again…patience.

And yes, that can be frustrating to watch. I feel it too. But development rarely looks clean in real time. Sometimes it looks messy. Sometimes it looks like this.

This is the moment where restraint matters most. Ryan Dunn is not a finished product, and he was never supposed to be one this quickly. The Suns do not need to solve him, fix him, or move him. They need to commit to him. Reps over reactions. Development over discomfort. Because the same patience this season demands from the organization is the same patience it will eventually reward. And if the Suns believe Dunn is part of their future, then this is not the time to rush the conclusion. It is the time to stay the course.

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...-role-confidence-shooting-regression-patience

 

[Phoenix Suns]

A rough start, but familiar response from the Suns in Rip City

Feb 3, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (23) shoots the ball over Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (9) during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images | Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images

Tuesday night in Portland, and a late one at that, the Suns came out flat. Really flat. Like a team that knew it was a quick one-game hop to Rip City before heading back home and treated it accordingly. The opening stretch was brutal. One of the worst quarters of basketball they have played all season, at least for the first half of it. They found their footing late, but not before staring at a 41-30 deficit.

For the second straight game, the paint was a problem. A big one. Second-chance points piled up fast. 23 of them in the first half alone, fueled by 11 offensive rebounds. And then came the stat that made you double-take. Portland, the worst three-point shooting team in the league, went 13-of-30 from deep. When everything that can go wrong does go wrong, that is usually what it looks like. And for the first time this season, it genuinely felt like the effort was missing.

Here is the contrast. You still cannot bury this team.

Even before halftime, the Suns started clawing. Down 19 at one point, they trimmed it to five by the break. The second half was a different story altogether. Their brand of basketball finally arrived, even if it took an extra quarter to unpack. And once again, the third quarter was the turning point. They outscored the Blazers 34-22 and flipped the entire feel of the game.

Consistency is the standard, and that is where the Suns reasserted themselves after halftime. This was a strange game. The late start played a role. So did the sluggish opening. This team usually brings its effort wire to wire, and you rarely see them come out as flat as they did. But the defining trait of this season showed itself again. The ability to recover. To settle. To respond.

That showed up in Portland. And it continues to be the reason this team keeps finding its way out of uncomfortable nights.

Bright Side Baller Season Standings​

The matchup against the Clippers was a descent into pure basketball sludge, yet Grayson Allen clawed his way through the wreckage to emerge as the Bright Side Baller.

Bright Side Baller Nominees​

Game 51 against the Trail Blazers. Here are your nominees:

Collin Gillespie
30 points (10-of-17, 8-of-14 3PT, 2-of-2 FT), 4 rebounds, 10 assists, 3 steals, 1 turnover, +5 +/-

Mark Williams
24 points (11-of-14, 0-of-0 3PT, 2-of-3 FT), 12 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 1 block, 1 turnover, -7 +/-

Grayson Allen
24 points (9-of-18, 6-of-11 3PT), 1 rebound, 3 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, +1 +/-

Jordan Goodwin
16 points (6-of-9, 2-of-4 3PT, 2-of-4 FT), 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 5 steals, 0 turnovers, +9 +/-

Royce O’Neale
11 points (5-of-12, 1-of-5 3PT), 7 rebounds, 0 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, +2 +/-

Dillon Brooks
11 points (3-of-16, 1-of-4 3PT, 4-of-4 FT), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, -4 +/-

---

‘Twas a late night in Rip City. Who gets your vote?

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...art-third-quarter-adjustments-effort-response

 

[Phoenix Suns]

Mock Trade: Saddiq Bey, anyone?

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - JANUARY 27: Saddiq Bey #41 of the New Orleans Pelicans handles the ball while being defended by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Paycom Center on January 27, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images) | Getty Images

With the trade deadline less than 24 hours away, rumors have been spreading like wildfire. Not only that, but some trades have already been done, and teams are shifting directions quickly for this playoff run. That leaves the Suns in a questionable spot: they do not want to ruffle the feathers on a good run, but may fall further behind in this conference by Thursday afternoon.

So, for the fun of it, let’s look at some trade proposals from the site and break them down. This one comes from our great site manager, John Voita, and he cooked this beauty up.

This one has a lot of moving pieces, with the Suns as the third team involved.

For this deal to go through, both the Pacers and Pelicans must agree to swap their young stars. Yves Missi has been great in his sophomore year, but with the Pelicans front court having Derik Queen and Zion Williamson, he has become expendable for them. Bennedict Mathurin is a restricted free agent, and the Pacers did not pay Myles Turner last season because they are cheap. Would they do the same with Mathurin, especially when they are projected to be a top-five pick?

It also helps that the Pelicans and Pacers have been linked to these players in the past with the Pacers needing another big alongside Jay Huff after losing Turner, and the Pelicans willing to take flyers on young talent, As long as both of these teams are willing to do this swap, it should be easy for the Suns to sneak in to get Saddiq Bey.

Bey, who has recently been on a heater offensively, continues to prove to be a solid wing role player. One, the Suns could definitely plug into their style of play, with his ability to shoot the three-point shot and defend with energy. You also cannot forget that he was a collegiate teammate of Collin Gillespie; adding him to that bench rotation alongside him would foster great chemistry off the bat.

Fortunately, to get Bey, the Suns would only have to move off of Nick Richards and Nigel Hayes-Davis, two players who are not in the rotation for this team. A Richards-to-the-Pelicans trade has been discussed in the past, with them getting a third big. Hayes-Davis to the Pacers could try once again to crack a rotation to compete in the NBA. With the Suns not trading any draft picks either, this would allow them to save money while also adding someone to an already deep rotation. With injuries on this team as well, this could be just the cherry on top of their playoff run.

Now, even though this helps out the Suns in many ways, there is a way that this does not go through. Who is to say that the Pelicans and Pacers even need the Suns players involved here? They could do this swap between the two, and essentially don’t need these Suns players. The Pelicans could also want more for Bey, which would be difficult for the Suns to get there with their limited draft capital. These types of deals make it complex for the Suns, but they’re always fun to discuss.

Bey would be a great addition, since the Suns do not give up anything valuable in this trade. By shedding a roster spot as well, they can convert Jamaree Bouyea and continue to strengthen the depth of their rotation.

What do you think, though? If you like this or don’t, please let us know what you think down below.

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...team-deal-analysis-collin-gillespie-chemistry

 

[Phoenix Suns]

2026 Phoenix Suns Trade Deadline News Tracker

Dec 29, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Marvin Bagley III (35) matches up against Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards (2) during the first quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images | Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images

Welcome to Trade Deadline Day. The deals are about to start flying, some impacting the Phoenix Suns directly, others in more subtle ways. Our team will break down every trade in detail, but this thread will serve as your running tracker, with the latest updates at the top. Keep checking back with Bright Side for a quick look at what the Suns have done and how each move affects the roster before the deadline at 1 pm Arizona time.

Any big trades will get the full deep dive soon enough, but until then, consider this your one-stop shop for all things Suns at the deadline!

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We will continue to provide updates throughout the week as trades that affect the Suns occur or rumored players that they’ve been connected to come off the board.

Refresh. Often.

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Wednesday, 10:22PM: Yabu Traded​

Update by John Voita

I know it’s no big deal, but Guershon Yabusele is off the board.

The New York Knicks are trading Guerschon Yabusele to the Chicago Bulls for Dalen Terry, sources tell ESPN.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 5, 2026

Why does it matter? Our own Pano wrote a great piece making the case for him, and if the Suns were to do a one-for-one trade, I wouldn’t have minded having him in Phoenix. Oh well. C’est ainsi.

---

Wednesday, 9:35PM: Yabu Traded​

Update by John Voita

It is not Suns news, but it is Suns adjacent. Jonathan Kuminga is headed to Atlanta. All I can really say is good riddance.

BREAKING: The Golden State Warriors are trading Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks for Kristaps Porzingis, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/eqNWwCupEZ

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 5, 2026

We have had an interesting relationship with Kuminga since the summer. Mostly me, typing far too many words explaining why the Suns should not go down that road. So in that sense, there is some closure here. He is gone. The debate is over.

Then there is Golden State. Kristaps Porzingis to the Warriors is the kind of move that makes you squint. I do not really see how it helps them. Availability has always been the issue. He has played 17 games this season and has not been on the floor in nearly a month. Talent without reliability is a tricky bet.

This actually helps the Suns. They see the Warriors tomorrow night, and Golden State is going to be shorthanded. Buddy Hield is out the door in that deal. As I am typing this, Trayce Jackson-Davis is gone too.

So while none of this directly involves Phoenix, the ripple effects matter. Familiar faces are moving. Opponents scrambling. The board keeps shifting, and sometimes the best move is the one you did not make, while others are busy rearranging the furniture.

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/suns-rumors/98114/2026-suns-trade-deadline-news-tracker

 

[Phoenix Suns]

Welcome to Trade Deadline Day!

CHINA - 2024/06/21: In this photo illustration, the American National Basketball Association (NBA) men's professional basketball league logo seen displayed on a smartphone with an economic stock exchange index graph in the background. (Photo Illustration by Budrul Chukrut/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Today is the day. Trade deadline day. The one we circle on the calendar and quietly count toward from the moment the season tips off.

What makes the NBA different is how much movement lives around this moment. And this year, it feels louder. It’s more alive than it has been in a while. Almost like teams finally cracked the code on the apron rules and the cap math, with front offices working overtime to build scenarios that actually function within the margins.

The movement has been constant. Anthony Davis ends up in Washington alongside Trae Young. Jonathan Kuminga finally finds a new home in Atlanta. Chicago, a franchise that usually plays this time of year conservatively, has gone full chaos mode, spinning off moves that leave you squinting at the transaction wire trying to figure out the why. James Harden is now in Cleveland. Dario Saric has been traded twice. Jock Landale too.

Here is the contrast. This kind of activity usually waits for the final hours. The panic. The scramble. The last-minute leverage plays. Instead, teams got out in front of it. They moved early. They acted decisively. And it has turned deadline week into something more than a countdown.

It has turned it into an entertaining spectacle.

But there is one team that has stayed quiet. One team with very little smoke, very few whispers, and almost no real traction in the rumor mill. That team is the Phoenix Suns.

I think everyone knows where I land on this. I do not need a big shake-up. Frankly, I am tired of them. A midseason reset is not something I believe this team needs, and it feels like the organization sees it the same way. What the Suns have right now is rare. It’s chemistry. It’s buy in. It’s defensive intensity and relentless effort. Around the league, teams are trying to manufacture that. Phoenix already has it.

That is the contrast. When you have something that is hard to replicate, you do not tip the boat. You do not make a trade simply for the sake of making a trade. Especially when you are still developing young players who need runway, not disruption. The Suns have given them that. And it shows.

Could they trim some payroll? Sure. Nick Richards moving makes logical sense on paper, even if it risks thinning the center depth and possibly biting them later. That is the kind of move that fits.

Today tells us what this team is going to look like for the rest of the season. Yes, the buyout market is coming. It always does. But rarely does it move needles in any meaningful way. It is conversation fuel, not an earthquake.

So now we wait. We watch. Notifications on. Refresh buttons working overtime. Waiting to see if any madness breaks through the calm.

Welcome to trade deadline day, my friends. One of the best days on the NBA calendar.

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...proach-roster-chemistry-defense-buyout-market

 

[Phoenix Suns]

The Suns outsmarted themselves into a loss

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 05: Al Horford #20 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket against Oso Ighodaro #11 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Last night’s game was rough. That almost undersells it. The Suns came in with momentum, and even without Devin Booker or Jalen Green, there was a real opportunity to grab a win against a Pacific Division opponent. Instead, for the third time in four meetings with Golden State this season, they let it slip.

And the hardest part to ignore was this: they were outcoached. Clearly. In the fourth quarter, yes. But also in the first half, where the tone was set and never fully corrected. This was a game that asked for clarity and control, and the Suns never quite found either when it mattered most.

Golden State came out with a clear plan in the first half. Let it fly. They took 37 threes, made 15 of them, and carried a lead into halftime. The Suns answered the way they usually do after the break. The third quarter flipped the game. They outscored the Warriors 27 -17 and pushed the margin to 14 early in the fourth.

And then everything unraveled.

The offense went stagnant. The ball stuck. Dribble, dribble, dribble, then a bailout shot late in the clock. Meanwhile, an undermanned Warriors team, without Stephen Curry, without Jimmy Butler, and fresh off trading away three rotation players, played with freedom. The ball moved. Bodies moved. They scored in transition, scoring 7 fast break points in the fourth alone.

Golden State turned the ball over six times in the fourth. The Suns scored three points off those mistakes. Missed chances. No punishment.

Then came the lineup decisions. Oso Ighodaro played the entire fourth quarter while Mark Williams, who was having a solid game, stayed glued to the bench. It felt like a substitution never came.

Mark Williams didn’t hold back when @DuaneRankin asked him about not playing in the fourth quarter.

He had 11 points and 10 rebounds through the first three quarters.

“It’s tough. That’s what Coach (Ott) felt was best. We’ll probably go over it tomorrow in film, but I mean I… pic.twitter.com/mrX4KNe4UZ

— Hayden Cilley (@HaydenCilley) February 6, 2026

Oso brings value as an isolation defender, but offensively, he pulls no gravity. When he stands on the perimeter, defenders sag. Pressure shifts elsewhere. Lanes shrink.

And it showed. Al Horford, of all people, led the Warriors with 7 points in the fourth. Teams are no longer respecting Oso on offense, and more are willing to test him on the other end. That was the breaking point. Control turned into chaos. Structure gave way to isolation. And in a game the Suns had in their hands, they let it slip through their fingers.

The Suns outsmarted themselves and watched the Warriors close the night on a 24-7 run. It is not the worst loss of the season, that still belongs to Atlanta, when a 22-point fourth-quarter lead evaporated. But this one stings in a different way. Because of the timing. Because of the standings. Because of the opportunity sitting right there, waiting to be taken. The Suns had control. Then they gave it back. And losses like that linger longer than most.

Bright Side Baller Season Standings​

Collin earned #9 after that showing in Rip City!

Bright Side Baller Nominees​

Game 52 against the Warriors. Here are your nominees:

Dillon Brooks
24 points (10-of-24, 2-of-6 3PT), 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, -6 +/-

Grayson Allen
21 points (7-of-17, 5-of-13 3PT), 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, +4 +/-

Mark Williams
11 points (5-of-6), 10 rebounds, 1 block, 1 turnover, +6 +/-

Collin Gillespie
11 points (4-of-12, 3-of-10 3PT), 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, -10 +/-

Royce O’Neale
9 points (3-of-7, 3-of-6 3PT), 1 rebound, 5 assists, 1 turnover, -5 +/-

Jordan Goodwin
6 points (2-of-6, 2-of-6 3PT), 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, +7 +/-

---

Second late game in a week. Who is worthy after last night’s performance?

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...pse-lineup-decisions-outcoached-momentum-slip

 

[Phoenix Suns]

Here’s the new-look Suns roster after the 2026 NBA trade deadline

PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 1: A generic basketball photo of the Official Wilson basketball during the game between the LA Clippers and the Phoenix Suns on February 1, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
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Not much movement for the Phoenix Suns at the deadline, but in an effort to reset everythign for you, it’s time to provide a summary of where things stand for the team after the NBA trade deadline:

The players the Suns acquired:​

• Amir Coffey
• Cole Anthony

The picks and players the Suns sent out:​

• Nick Richards
• Nigel Hayes-Davis

The new, full Suns roster​

1. Devin Booker
2. Jalen Green
3. Dillon Brooks
4. Grayson Allen
5. Royce O’Neale
6. Mark Williams
7. Khaman Maluach
8. Ryan Dunn
9. Jordan Goodwin
10. Collin Gillespie
11. Cole Anthony
12. Amir Coffey
13. Oso Ighodaro
14. Rasheer Fleming
15. Koby Brea (TW)
16. Jamaree Bouyea (TW)
17. Isaiah Livers (TW)

Suns draft picks remaining​

Information via Spotrac.

• 2026 2nd (76ers)
• 2027 1st (Cavs)
• 2028 1st (heavily swapped)
• 2029 2nd (own)
• 2030 1st (Least favorable of PHX, MEM, and WAS)
• 2032 1st (own, frozen)
• 2032 2nd (worst of HOU, CHI, PHX)

With all that in place, what are you looking for next from Suns? What do you think is their most pressing need this offseason? Come chat with us in the comments below.

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...a-trade-deadline-trades-draft-picks-contracts

 

[Phoenix Suns]

SBN Reacts: No star chasing required for a roster comfortable with its own identity

PHOENIX, AZ - JULY 10: Brian Gregory introduces Jordan Ott as head coach of the Phoenix Suns during a press conference on June 10, 2025, at the Verizon 5G Performance Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Here we are on the other side of the trade deadline, and the Suns operated pretty much how I thought they would. Across the league, this was not a deadline built around star chasing or headline hunting. This was a deadline about restraint. About accounting. About reality setting in.

We are now three years into the new collective bargaining agreement, and the league is feeling it. Front offices are no longer flirting with the penalties. They are actively avoiding them. The priority shifted to saving money. Getting under the luxury tax. Staying clear of the repeater, where every dollar over the line costs $2.50. Spend $1 million too much, pay $2.5 million for the privilege. That math changes behavior fast.

From a fan perspective, it is always easy to look at the roster and spot areas for improvement. No team is perfect. Every roster has holes, soft spots, and theoretical upgrades. That is part of the exercise and part of the fun. So it makes sense that when fans were asked whether the Suns should make a move before the deadline, 62% said yes.

I landed with the other 38% for a simple reason. I liked this team as it was. I liked who they were becoming. And while Nick Richards was never going to swing outcomes, I valued what he brought in terms of center depth. As for the tax, it is not my money. So that part never really bothered me.

That said, I am not opposed to the move they ultimately made. Because it quietly opens a door, one that is a developmental runway. There is a chance for Khaman Maluach to see meaningful minutes and grow through experience instead of theory. That matters more than it might seem in the moment.

This is always how trade deadline conversations split. There are two separate questions that get tangled together. Should the Suns make a move? And will the Suns make a move? They are not the same thing.

62% of the fan base wanted something to happen. Only 52% believed it actually would.

This part is interesting because it tells you the fan base has adjusted along with the team. There is an understanding now that the Suns and this front office have course-corrected. An ownership group that came in hot, aggressive, and willing to push every lever has shown restraint lately. That shift is noticeable.

Ask this same question a couple of years ago, and 90% of fans would have said the Suns were going to make a move. No doubt about it. The fact that only about half believed they would this time speaks volumes. It reflects a changing identity. A different operating posture. Less impulse. More intention.

Now the deadline is behind us, and that is where the real work starts. This is the roster. Barring a surprise buyout addition, which feels unlikely, this is the team for the rest of the season. The hypothetical conversations start to fade. The wish lists get put away.

What replaces them is reality. Not what this team needs. But what this team is. And from here on out, that is the only conversation that matters.

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...moves-nick-richards-analysis-fan-poll-results

 

[Phoenix Suns]

Inside the Suns: The Trade Deadline, Ryan Dunn, Koby Brea

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 21: Malik Beasley #5 of the Detroit Pistons fights for a loose ball against Ryan Dunn #0 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on December 21, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Welcome to Inside the Suns, your weekly deep down analysis of the current Phoenix Suns team. Each week the Fantable — a round table of Bright Siders — give their takes on the Suns’ latest issues and news.

Fantable Questions of the Week​

Q1: In November, Ryan Dunn averaged 24.4 minutes per game. In January, his MPGs dropped to 16.4 and to 14.9 in the last 10 games. Both his field goal and 3-point (FG – 47.0, 44.8, 39.0, 3-pt – 42.3, 32.4, 31.6) percentages have dropped over time. What’s your opinion of Dunn’s recent struggles and whether he will be able to improve his shooting?​

Ashton: Well at this point, he was not traded. I thought he may be part of a trade package.

I am going to hold the line that nobody should be moved if it upsets team chemistry. Let Dunn get out of his shooting slump and develop under proper coaching. The coach and the Suns are good at it.

OldAz: A lot of opinions are floating around about Dunn, and in typical Suns fans’ fashion, some are even calling for him to be first on the trade block. To just get rid of him. As usual, this is reactionary and shortsighted. Yes, he has slipped down the depth chart and is not playing as many minutes, but the same could’ve been said earlier in the season about Oso, who is now a key cog in their success. Another factor in his reduced playing time is the fact that he is not in any way, shape, or form a power forward. With the glut of guards on the team and the style of play, there is just no room for a wing that is less effective.

Interestingly, I think Dunn‘s problems actually stem from his struggles on the defensive end. He was an above-average one-on-one defender last year on a team of parking cones. This year, he is continuing to try to lock down his man when, in reality, the Suns are a much better team defensively, and he has not made the transition. He is often still stuck to his man when he should be switching or playing the passing lanes. This is a different mindset, and he needs to spend time watching someone like Jordan Goodwin (who also plays aggressive 1:1 but knows how to fit the team’s defensive concepts better) and adjust his style accordingly. Once Dunn does this and gets more comfortable on the defensive end within the team system, I think his offense will come around. His form and technique still look good on that end, so I have to believe he’s simply thinking too much.

Rod: For the most part, Dunn’s recent play has gotten me to the point where cold chills go down my spine whenever he touches the ball, and I hold my breath every time he attempts a shot. Whenever there’s a closeup of his face on TV, I see the look of a guy who seems to have lost his confidence.

As John suggested a few days ago, perhaps some time assigned to the Valley Suns in the G League might be good for him. He would get lots of reps there with the opportunity to get a confidence boost too. Seeing he court time and reps continue to dwindle with the Suns isn’t going to do anything to solve the problem so why not give it a shot?

We’ve seen him play better so there’s no doubt that he can do it again, and even improve, so calling for him to be traded as a few fans have done just seems like jumping the gun to me.

Q2: What are your thoughts on the Suns/Bucks/Bulls deadline trade?​

Ashton: So, again, team chemistry. If Green is the biggest cheerleader in street clothes on the bench, then you keep him. And he was kept. Do the fans really know his injury status? Not in the slightest.

But this question has multiple parts. How exactly are the Suns going to fund Mark Williams, Goody, and Collin Gillespie extensions? The Suns are under the repeater tax for now, and I am fine with it. The numbers are beyond me, and I am not going back to school on this CBA and the complicated format it provides. Unless Rod starts an online class.

I thought the “backup” guards stunk it up against the Clippers and wondered if Green could have been a factor for a win. And then Portland happens, and the backup guards are not that bad. Then GSW happens, and the backup guards suck again. Green is still out. Should the Suns have made a trade for an injured Green?

But in the end, the team avoided the luxury tax. And if they do it for a second year (2027), the clock resets on the repeater tax.

Also, Phoenix will now have a 2026 second-round pick, a selection that will be the second-most favorable between Dallas (19-31), Philadelphia (29-21), and Oklahoma City (40-12). It is currently the 49th overall pick. (Arizona Sports). I love picks.

So, it was a good trade. The Suns are off the tax and needed to move Nick Richards and Nigel Hayes-Davis to do it. But what they got back is not that impressive. Two guards, and if you squint enough, maybe one that one can play small-ball at SF?

Waive them both (Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey) and fill up the roster spots with the two-ways.

Old Az: My first take is about the entire league and how amazing it is that almost every team made some type of move at this deadline. As for the Suns, they did exactly what people have been saying they were going to do for four weeks. They made a small move on the margins to get under the luxury tax. This is far more important than many people recognize because of the Draconian penalties in the current CBA.

I don’t know much about the two players being brought in (at this point in their careers) but they traded away two players that weren’t playing, and even if the two players brought in give them nothing it created space to sign one or both of Bouyea and or Livers to a full contract. Both of those players have shown to be valuable this year. They also don’t have to be in a hurry to do anything as, for the first time in a while, they can be full participants in the buyout market and snag a player that really could contribute this season.

For the first time in a long time, we can actually see the Sun‘s front office with a plan that does not include making trades for the sake of trades or selling low after buying high. That is a nice change, and my biggest takeaway from the Suns’ moves at the deadline.

Rod: It was a small move that has a bigger impact than you would assume at first glance. The biggest plus from it was not only getting the Suns below the luxury tax line but also getting them far enough below it to possibly be able to eventually convert both Bouyea’s and Liver’s two-way contracts to standard NBA contracts if they eventually waive either Anthony (likely) or Coffey (unlikely) to create enough roster spots for both of them.

And there’s also the upcoming buy-out market to consider. Under the tax aprons, the Suns can now sign anyone who gets bought out, no matter what their previous salary was. I can hardly wait to see who is available. There may be no one there that fits the Suns’ needs but, if there is, they can at least make a play for them now.

Q3: Two-way player Koby Brea has not played exceptionally well in the G League. While he’s averaged 16.6 ppg, his FG and 3-point percentages are 38.9% and 32.5% (10.2 3-point attempts per game), respectively. If he continues to struggle in the G League, should the Suns let him go this summer or sign him to another two-way contract?​

Ashton: Suns have a fan base problem. We like our young developmental talent, and Brea is at the top of the list. Eventually, I think there is going to be a culling. And Brea may be on the list.

My knee-jerk reaction is to give him to another two-way. The Suns may have a generational three-point shooter that I would hate to see develop on another team.

But this is a good problem to have. Youth in development in the G league is not a bad thing (even though the Valley Suns keep losing games). But based on some of the previous questions, there are players who may need to be sent there.

OldAz: Professional sports are a performance game, and there’s not much room for a shooter who can’t shoot. Admittedly, I have not watched any of Koby play this year because I don’t watch much G League. However, the Suns’ front office has shown an excellent ability to maximize the two-way contracts this year. Unless they see something in Brea that is bubbling below the surface, then I expect they will move on and look for the next Gillespie, Livers, or Bouyea.

I am not worried about his shot as much as I am wondering if he is showing other abilities to stay on the floor by being part of the defense or offensive system. If he is showing any other positive qualities, then maybe he gets another year, and with some extra minutes, maybe he gets his shot back. Again, however, it’s tough to keep a roster spot for a shooter who can’t shoot.

Rod: When the Suns drafted him, he was promoted as already having one NBA-ready skill…shooting threes. So far, he hasn’t been able to do that consistently in the G League, let alone in an NBA game. I haven’t watched enough of the Valley Suns games to get a good idea as to why his percentages are so low, but whatever problems he’s having in the G League are likely only going to be amplified at the NBA level. I’d say that his sticking with the Suns next season, even on another two-way contract, is going to depend on him making some progress/improvement before this season ends.

As always, many thanks to our Fantable members for all their extra effort this week!

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Quotes of the Week​

“You can do it (pick-and-roll) so many different ways, so many different locations, so many guys can be involved, and our offense is just going to be heavy in concepts. We’re gonna have to read and react a ton. … This is gonna be a constant evolution of our team, but specifically our offense over time.” – Jordan Ott

“I think he (Oso Ighodaro) is taking a gigantic step defensively with his activity. He’s one of those guys that are elite athletes in this league, just a little undersized for his position.” – Jordan Ott

“Goodie (Jordan Goodwin) does so much good stuff for us, rebounding, guarding, picking up full every possession. He brings a spark to the game that we need each and every night.” – Oso Ighodaro

“I am just trying to make it difficult for them, trying to get the shot clock down. Just get extra possessions for our team but I do take on a lot of assignments, and it’s not just me. I got the bigs behind me, guys giving me good shifts and stuff like that, so it’s really a team effort. I’m just trying to make it difficult.” – Jordan Goodwin

“I think he (Collin Gillespie) has caught a lot of people by surprise, but nobody in this locker room. He does everything out there. He’s a warrior for us. He’s been consistent since he got here, and I’m happy he’s on our side.” – Devin Booker

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Suns Trivia/History​

On February 6, 2008, the 34-14 Suns traded Marcus Banks and four-time All-Star Shawn Marion to the Miami Heat for Shaquille O’Neal. O’Neal, who had been sidelined with a hip injury before the trade, was inactive for his first 5 games as a Sun but would start for the Suns, averaging 12.9 points and 10.6 rebounds, in 28 of their final 29 games of the season, in which they were 17-11. The Suns would finish the season as the 6th seed in the West with a 55-27 record and bow out of the playoffs quickly, losing their 1st round series with the San Antonio Spurs 4-1.

On February 7, 2018, the Suns tied the team record (set earlier that season on Oct. 18, 2017, against the Portland Trail Blazers) for the worst loss in team history as the San Antonio Spurs defeated them 129-81 (a 48-point margin). The Suns scored only 9 points in the 1st quarter, shot 9.4% (3 of 32) from three, and 34.0% from the field. The Suns’ starting lineup for that game was Tyler Ulis, Josh Jackson, T.J. Warren, Dragan Bender, and Marquese Chriss. This record would stand until earlier this season when the Suns were trounced by OKC (138-89) on Dec. 10, 2025, to set a new record with a 49-point loss.

On February 9, 1986, the NBA All-Star game was played with no Phoenix Suns player on the roster for the West. It was the first time in team history that no Suns player was selected for the All-Star game. The Suns struggled through the 1985-86 season to a 32-50 final record.

On February 11, 1979, the Suns defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 136-101 in a game where 8 of the 10 Suns that played scored in double figures. The Suns were led by new acquisition Truck Robinson’s 24-point, 15-rebound double-double. The Suns also made more free throws (36) than the Cavaliers attempted (25) and out-rebounded them 65 to 45.

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This Week’s Game Schedule​

Saturday, Feb 7 – Suns vs Philadelphia 76ers (7:00 pm)
Tuesday, Feb 10 – Suns vs Dallas Mavericks (7:00 pm)
Wednesday, Feb 11 – Suns vs OKC Thunder (7:00 pm)

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This Week’s Valley Suns Game Schedule​

Tuesday, Feb 10 – Valley Suns vs Winchester Knicks (7:00 pm) ESPN+
Thursday, Feb 12 – Valley Suns vs Salt Lake City Stars (12:00 pm)

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Important Future Dates​

Feb. 13-15 – 2026 NBA All-Star weekend in Los Angeles, CA
March 1 – Playoff eligibility waiver deadline
March 28 – NBA G League Regular Season ends
March 31 – 2026 NBA G League Playoffs begin
April 12 – Regular season ends (All 30 teams play)
April 13 – Rosters set for NBA Playoffs 2026 (3 p.m. ET)
April 14-17 – SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament
April 18 – NBA Playoffs begin

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...e-suns-the-trade-deadline-ryan-dunn-koby-brea

 

[Phoenix Suns]

Bodies back, rhythm missing, Suns stumble at home

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 07: Jordan Goodwin #23 of the Phoenix Suns pressures Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 07, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Suns welcomed the Philadelphia 76ers to the Mortgage Matchup Center on Saturday night, and the building buzzed for one reason. Devin Booker was back. Jalen Green was back. The cavalry had arrived.

What they did not bring with them was a shooting touch.

Phoenix opened the night by going 1-of-13 from deep in the first quarter and never really escaped the fog. By the end of it, they were 11-of-46 from beyond the arc. Brutal. So brutal it started to seep into their decision-making. For stretches in the second, the open looks were there. Clean looks. Rhythm shots. And instead of letting them fly, the Suns pump-faked themselves right out of confidence. Dribble. Reset. Force something worse.

That is the part that sticks with you. The offense was doing its job. The ball moved. The actions worked. The looks were real. Execution from three never showed up.

When the dust settled, both teams finished with 11 made threes. The difference was how they got there. The Suns needed 17 more attempts to reach the same number. That math catches up with you every time.

And yet, weirdly enough, this still felt like a step forward.

That sounds insane after a loss, but context matters. Getting Booker and Green back before the All-Star break matters. Roles have been stretched thin for weeks. Guys have been asked to do more than they are built for. That does not reset overnight.

It is still a work in progress. Green is coming off the bench. That will change. Booker is finding his legs again. That will come. The rotation has not fully settled yet, and that part is important.

Losing at home never feels good. But this is part of a larger process playing out in real time. Sometimes progress looks clean. Sometimes it looks clunky and uncomfortable and frustrating as hell. You do not have to like it. But you do have to respect it.

Bright Side Baller Season Standings​

Grayson gets the nod against the Warriors, and he was a casualty of that game. He gave it his all, tweaked his knee, and is once again sidelined. At least he has his 7th BSB to keep him company.

Bright Side Baller Nominees​

Game 53 against the Sixers. Here are your nominees:

Dillon Brooks
28 points (11-of-23, 2-of-10 3PT), 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 4 fouls, +10 +/-

Devin Booker
21 points (5-of-12, 1-of-7 3PT), 2 rebounds, 9 assists, 4 turnovers, +10 +/-

Royce O’Neale
14 points (5-of-10, 4-of-9 3PT), 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 3 turnovers, +6 +/-

Mark Williams
11 points (4-of-7), 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 3 fouls, +0 +/-

Jalen Green
8 points (2-of-6, 0-of-3 3PT), 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 turnover, +7 +/-

Jordan Goodwin
7 points (2-of-7, 1-of-4 3PT), 3 rebounds, 1 steal, 4 fouls, -6 +/-

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Who was your star of Saturday night?

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...reen-return-loss-shooting-struggles-home-game

 

[Phoenix Suns]

The Suns are a team that manipulates volume

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 07: Collin Gillespie #12 of the Phoenix Suns pressures Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 07, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images

You know this by now: I love discovering and learning new things related to basketball or related to the Suns. I’ve already talked about it here, but once again, it’s a video from the Dreamcast Show that inspired me in the production of this article about maximizing possessions (a domain that is important in Jordan Ott’s playing philosophy).

This season, the Suns don’t win because they shoot better, but because they shoot more. Phoenix is not elite in shooting (15th in shooting efficiency this season), but Phoenix — and some of its players — is a team that manipulates the volume of play.

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You know this: a possession is gained and preserved in three different ways.

First, by securing an offensive rebound. Phoenix grabs almost 13 offensive rebounds per game, with an Offensive Rebound% of 31%, which places them near the top of the league in that area. A possession is also gained by forcing a turnover, and Phoenix is also very well positioned in that category, ranking top 3 in steals per game (10.4), but also top 3 in Opponent Turnovers% with 17.1%. The quality of this team in these two areas is no longer in question, but what often hurts them is converting those opportunities (because of major shooting inconsistency).

Finally, it’s good to gain a possession, but it’s even better if it is preserved so you can attempt a shot. Here, the Suns are less good: 19th in offensive TOV% and 15.4 turnovers per game, which is huge for a team that creates so many “easy” situations.

To better visualize this possession gain, I imagined a small formula: (OREB/g + STL/g) – TOV/g — it’s not perfect science nor an absolute truth, but a trend indicator with a margin of error. And with this formula, the Suns gain on average +7.8 possessions per game.

For comparison, the best defensive team in the league, OKC, is at +6.3. Houston, who are the best offensive rebounders, are at +9.8. The Celtics, who are the team that loses the ball the least this season, are at +8.2. And finally, the Pistons, who are the most balanced team in this area, are at +7.8.

Phoenix doesn’t need to be perfect to win; they have a structural engine that gives them 6–10 extra possessions per game. But unfortunately, a big lack of shooting success on some nights places them in the Play‑in zone even though they generate as many extra possessions as the top‑3 teams.

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But how is the team organized to generate so many extra possessions? Well, they rely on a clearly defined system and style of play: a constant physical presence in the dunker spot, combined with a sort of all‑in approach to maximize the chances of grabbing the offensive rebound. We can see it clearly in the action below: it starts with a pick and roll between Mark and Devin to swing the ball to Dillon in the corner, Booker positions himself in the dunker spot while the rest of the team comes to support him in that task. As a result, Embiid is focused on Devin Booker, which leaves Mark Williams free to do his job.

pic.twitter.com/JNVCqCfHPb

— P| #WorldBFree (@PanoTheCreator) February 8, 2026

Then the team also relies on a super aggressive and oppressive defense that is not afraid to jump passing lanes or closeouts. The system is disruptive, which allows Phoenix to force many turnovers, like here against the Blazers: they try as much as possible to poke the ball loose (on passes or on-ball) while staying close to their matchup, Jordan Goodwin succeeds, and can go straight into transition.

pic.twitter.com/H54MDPbSO2

— P| #WorldBFree (@PanoTheCreator) February 8, 2026

Speaking of Jordan Goodwin, the wing ranks among the best in the league in this possession‑maximization profile. If we take the raw formula from earlier and standardize it per 100 possessions to make it more representative, Goodwin alone generates +5.2 extra possessions per 100 possessions. And that’s not all: among all players with +250 minutes this season (yes, that’s a lot of players…), Jordan Goodwin is the only one combining +7% OREB% and +2% TOV%. If there is one player whose value is underestimated, it’s him. At the end of the season, he should be one of the priorities when salary negotiations begin.

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Phoenix doesn’t dominate through pure talent, but through volume. And it’s clear that the day efficiency matches intention, this team will move into another category.

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...ebounds-steals-turnovers-volume-based-winning

 

[Phoenix Suns]

Devin Booker will particpate in the Three Point Contest

CHICAGO, IL - FEBRUARY 15: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns shoots three point basket during the 2020 NBA All-Star - MTN DEW 3-Point Contest on February 15, 2020 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The NBA All-Star Game is creeping closer, less than two weeks out now, and as the league starts pointing its compass toward Los Angeles, the side attractions are coming into focus. Skills. Dunks. Threes. And yes, the Phoenix Suns will have a seat at the table. Devin Booker is officially in the three-point contest.

BOOK IT

Devin Booker will participate in the 3-Point Contest at NBA All-Star! pic.twitter.com/SBppEjOxsH

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) February 8, 2026

This will be Book’s fourth time stepping into that pressure cooker. He did it as a rookie in 2016. He won the whole thing in 2018. He participated in 2020 as well.

Now here we are, round four, arriving during what is, by the numbers, the roughest three-point shooting season of his career. Booker is sitting at 30.7% from deep, knocking down 1.7 threes on 5.5 attempts per night. Not exactly vintage, not exactly automatic, but that is part of the intrigue.

The field is loaded. Kon Knueppel from Charlotte. Tyrese Maxey. Donovan Mitchell. Jamal Murray. Bobby Portis Jr. Norman Powell. Damian Lillard, who is still in this thing despite not having played since returning to Portland after the Achilles injury last season. Booker and Lillard are the only two in the group who have won this event before.

And honestly, this is still the best show All-Star Weekend has left. The dunk contest lost its soul somewhere along the way, back when it became a showcase for guys most fans met five minutes earlier. The three-point contest still brings stars. Real ones. Names you know.

Booker stepping into that rack again feels right. Percentages be damned, it’ll be nice seeing him out there representing the Phoenix Suns.

Source: https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/...point-contest-all-star-weekend-return-history