Shane Young

The Phoenix Suns begin their preseason on Monday!

After a week of training camp featuring healthy competition, Phoenix is ready to hit the road for Detroit and Chicago.

Let's discuss what stood out from this week, and a few things to keep an eye on heading into the season opener:

Aggressive defensive principles and ball pressure

At the heart of last year's success was a defense predicated on nonstop hustle and intensity. It was the Suns' insatiable pursuit of forcing turnovers that caused fans to gravitate toward this style and want more.

That's still the top objective in Phoenix. In fact, Suns fans will see it rise to greater heights this year, and it begins with their defensive pickup points.

Although they didn't exactly start the trend, Phoenix was one of the most aggressive NBA teams in applying full-court pressure. From the beginning of the season to the All-Star break, they ranked 3rd in average pickup distance (47.5 feet) on their defensive possessions. They ranked 5th in the average time it took opponents to start their first action.

The Suns were happy with the results. Not only did this defensive tactic lead to more opponent turnovers, but a lot of possessions that didn't result in turnovers were considered wins. Ball pressure from everyone - notably Jordan Goodwin and Collin Gillespie - made opponents feel rushed. Most of the time, those outcomes can have the same impact as forcing a turnover.

With it being the first year of trying this style, they were selective with it.

"We emphasize after free throws and dead balls to really extend it," Ott said. "Just our initial pickup point and our aggressiveness helped fuel energy, even in the halfcourt when we got back to our base and the opponent got back to neutral."

The frequency of full-court pressure dwindled a bit during the final portion of the season - not a surprise when you consider the fatigue factor and energy it requires.

But after an offseason of reviewing the metrics and the players working hard in the gym, they're ready to ramp it up.

"We liked it and we're going to continue doubling down," Ott added. "Full court pressure was up around the league. We were still top 10 (in frequency). Our goal has now shifted upward … we need to do it more."

For the Suns, it's all about creating havoc and using that momentum to rattle the opponent.

As proficient as the Suns are defensively, there is always room for improvement. Last year was about setting the foundation for what a great defensive play looks like - how it starts, how it feels, and how players stay connected for the entire 24 seconds.

Now, it's about completing the formula. The Suns need to pair that mentality with better results on the defensive glass, which will help them unlock a different gear while giving them a greater margin for error.

The Suns only finished 67.7% of their defensive possessions by collecting the rebound, which ranked 27th in the league last season. Viewing it another way, that means they allowed opponents to grab their own misses 32.3% of the time.

The good news is, Phoenix isn't blind to those weaknesses. The coaching staff knows the metrics and tendencies. They've been drilling the importance of rebounding throughout training camp.

"Same as last year, we just have to get it to translate - 27th in the league wasn't good enough," Ott said. "We understand, at times, we're undersized. That's why we emphasize the possession game."

Phoenix was still able to climb into the playoffs because they made up for it in other categories, such as generating steals and grabbing their own offensive rebounds.

One of the challenges this year will be finding ways to maintain those advantages while also building up their weak points. It's a tough balance to strike because they aren't straying away from what made them so effective in the first place, which was being aggressive earlier in the possession and banking on more steals.

But as Ott explained, there will be more size on the floor this season with Rasheer Fleming, Khaman Maluach, and Miles Bridges playing important roles. They should help the Suns finish more defensive possessions the right way, without requiring the guards to dial back their pressure.

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"There's probably a little cause and effect because of how we play defense," Ott acknowledged. "When our ball pressure extends, it probably puts us in some rotations. And we didn't have a ton of length in wingspan. We were 25th in wingspan last year. It will be better this year with Khaman out there. Rasheer's is 7-5, Miles is bigger. But it doesn't matter - everyone needs to help us rebound."

Oso Ighodaro will have a lot of responsibility in this department, too. One of the biggest advantages of their strong continuity is that players had a full summer to reflect and work on certain growth areas.

Ighodaro, who was already exceptional on the offensive glass, is prepared to make strides as a defensive rebounder to become more well-rounded.

"That was not one of my strengths last year and there's no running from that," Ighodaro said. "It's an area of my game that I want to improve on, and I have an opportunity to do that this season. We brought in Miles (Bridges), and that rebounding piece is a big advantage for him. But I need to get better at that regardless."

"We know he's the hub of everything we do offensively."

Jordan Ott made it clear during training camp they aren't boxing Devin Booker into any specific label, aside from being a smart basketball player. Position titles don't exactly mean anything in today's NBA.

Booker wants to be more intentional about looking for his shot this season, but that's never going to come at the expense of his team's offensive flow.

"It's a balance that changes game to game," Booker says. "I said at Media Day that I want to shoot more, but if teams are throwing three people at you, then you have to get off the ball. I said that from a mindset standpoint - I want to assert myself by scoring the ball more."

With 12 years of experience, Booker can navigate and manage a game with the best of them. There will be a healthy mix of using him on and off the ball, as Ott noted during camp.

"At times, he'll be our primary playmaker bringing it across," Ott said. "Other times, we'll run him off an action to then get him the ball. It continues going back to 'how can we create an advantage?' Ideally, you don't need any advantage because you have it from the time you get (the possession). But when the defense is set, 5-on-5, you need something to start it. It's an easy point for all of us just to get the ball to (Booker), bring a screen into it, and get an advantage."

Any offense will be at its best when superstars are aggressive and hunting for those scoring opportunities. But that doesn't necessarily mean the end result will be a shot attempt. A lot of times, the attention Booker creates is exactly what the offense needs to create an open look.

Part of maximizing Booker is giving him the best possible spacing. That's already been on display during camp, notably with Luke Kennard giving Phoenix more offensive weapons.

Kennard has worked with the Suns' main ball handlers, figuring out ways to alleviate pressure in the halfcourt. One of those methods will be Kennard screening when Booker has the ball, putting the defense in a tough predicament.

"Just the ability to attract the defense," Kennard said. "Spacing doesn't show up in the box score, but being able to space the floor and allowing guys an extra amount of space can change everything."

It's that kind of attitude that can lift the Suns' offense toward the top 10 this season. When things get muddy, Kennard's presence next to Booker will throw a wrench into the opponent's gameplan.

"I've been working a lot with Book and (Gillespie)," he said. "When I'm with them, setting good screens, and getting into open space. Continuing to be that floor spacer for some of those guys to get to their spots and make plays. It can be really big for this offense."

Booker will also play with two different styles of big men. Depending on the lineup, he'll benefit from elite read-and-react skills that Oso Ighodaro brings, or having one of the tallest lob threats in the league in Khaman Maluach.

Hoping to have a much healthier season, Jalen Green entered training camp with a growth mindset.

This is a pivotal time for Green's development, as most people forget he's just 24 years old and learning new skills each offseason.

Green was diligent about his summer workouts. He stayed in the weight room to improve his core and prepare for the regular season marathon, while also absorbing knowledge from Suns legend and two-time MVP, Steve Nash.

"Just to learn the game from a mind like that, who understands and has done it before at the highest level," Green said. "It's special (for me) to understand and for him to teach at the same time. I thought it was super helpful, especially for the season I'm trying to have."

Booker and Green will share playmaking duties, building on the partnership they formed last year.

When the ball is in Green's hands, the Suns will find a balance between him attacking out of pick-and-rolls and him simply using his speed to drive without a screen. Sometimes, the latter is more effective because of his quick first step.

Either way, he's looking to get into the paint more often. Aside from increasing the rim attempts, bringing more paint pressure can help the Suns in other ways. Green's downhill burst creates wide-open threes after the defense rotates to stop his drives.

That's the part of the game he's striving to improve this year - identifying those moments in real time and making quicker decisions after the defense collapses.

It all comes back to the Suns putting their stars in the best positions to succeed. They want everyone - not just Green - playing to their "superpowers."

What does this version of Jalen Green look like?

"Same me, just getting teammates involved a little more," Green said. "Making the right reads. If I'm making the right reads, that's going to help my offensive game, too. But I feel like I've always been a good playmaker, sometimes bad results, but I'm trying to find the right reads in general. That's a step in the right direction."

While the rest of the league is aware of Green's offensive prowess, he's still entering this year with a chip on his shoulder.

"I missed (almost) a whole year of basketball," Green said. "This is my chance to get that back."

Every team needs their own Dillon Brooks. You can always count on him to unify the team while also creating an environment where competitive fire is mandatory.

Once again, that's what we've seen and heard during camp.

Multiple players have credited him for raising the intensity as soon as practice begins, setting a tone that everyone tries to match.

But his fiery personality is just one part of the equation. He also serves as the Suns' connector, mixing in his own version of fun and resetting the mood after those practice battles.

On a couple occasions during training camp, Brooks shouted different nicknames or phrases to his teammates who were conducting their media interviews. He's always trying to provide extra motivation. That's one of his methods to build camaraderie.

"DB has an interesting way of showing he cares," Green laughed. "I can speak to it just because he came from Memphis, a winning team, to Houston, and did the same thing with me. We have a good relationship. He has a different way of showing it."

Brooks likes to take a young player under his wing during the season. Aside from showing them the ropes, he uses different tactics to toughen them up.

Last year, that player was Oso Ighodaro. This time around, according to Brooks, it's going to be rookie Koa Peat.

"That head-to-head, I love it," Ighodaro said. "It makes us better. After a year with Dillon, I know how he operates. You have to get under his skin a little bit to get back at him."

Everyone on the team has echoed the importance of Brooks' leadership on the floor. Not only does it set a great example for the younger players, but it's bringing the Suns closer together.

"I ask him questions all the time," Ighodaro said. "We have our banter, but we have serious conversations about the game and about development. It's really helpful to have a leader like that."

5-observations-from-suns-training-camp

5 Observations from Suns Training Camp

Media Day is officially in the books, and now the Phoenix Suns will enter training camp to launch the 2026-27 NBA season.

Here are 3 main takeaways from Monday's press conferences, which you can watch and listen to here.

Focusing on continuity and chemistry was clearly checkpoint number one for Phoenix.

But that doesn't only mean retaining your core. The best teams are those who go above and beyond, converting that familiarity into a real advantage.

At Media Day, it was evident how much their blue-collar mentality took over this summer. Every player, along with owner Mat Ishbia, raved about the team's commitment to staying in the gym and getting a headstart on this season.

All completely voluntary during July and August, the Suns shared a collective goal. The only way to grow together and master the details as a unit … was to continue learning each other and working as a team.

All of the returning players stayed in contact through their workouts at the Suns' training facility, on the court and in the weight room.

That included 12-year veteran Devin Booker, who wanted to be around as the Suns' leader. He set a strong example this offseason by keeping his head down and finding ways to improve.

"We're all on the same page," Booker said Monday. "This summer was a big summer for us to keep all of the same guys in the same building."

It resonated strongly with second-year big man Khaman Maluach, who saw Booker working out late every night and joined in, looking to build their two-man chemistry.

When the Suns weren't all stationed in Phoenix, they still prioritized being together. They convened in Las Vegas for workouts during Summer League, hit the gym in Toronto while visiting Dillon Brooks, and teamed up in Flagstaff for the second straight year.

All of those moments matter when fostering a deeper connection in the locker room. It's extremely helpful when implementing new players and getting them acclimated with the returning core.

Luke Kennard and Miles Bridges were quickly introduced to "the Suns way" and what that represents.

"I've been on a few teams … and the way everybody is bought in and how early everyone has been here together, it's been really cool to see and to be part of," Kennard said. "Being together working out, doing some events together, or getting together not even in Phoenix. That's special."

Kennard is a 10-year veteran, who has played for five different organizations since being drafted. He knows what a typical offseason looks like.

It was an eye-opening experience for him - and exactly what he was looking for in his new home.

"Just building that chemistry with the guys and having this early start has already helped," Kennard added. "Like for me, knowing what spots I like, which way I like to come off to shoot. Certain conversations that are always had when you're learning new people and ways to play."

Jalen Green, who is primed for a strong comeback season, echoed those sentiments.

"There wasn't really a time where we weren't together this summer," Green said. "Everybody's been grinding together, from young guys to the vets being here already. I mean, you can't really ask anything better from an organization to have the whole team here working and grinding together, chasing the same goal."

Brooks, one of the Suns' leaders who knows the value of team camaraderie, is proud of the standard they've set in Phoenix.

"I see it jelling really well," Brooks said. "I think we want to make each other better each and every time we step on the court. Going on all of these mini-camps, along with Vegas and Toronto, it's just something that brings us closer. Not only in basketball, but off the court. You get to know somebody for who they are, and not just the player they are."

Last year was evidence of the impact chemistry can have on a roster. Phoenix can see how many pieces shifted in the Western Conference this season and how many players shifted teams. They are confident these offseason deposits into the chemistry jar will come back to reward them in future battles.

"It's different," Brooks said. "Those things go a long way when you're in the heat of battle, and you need your brother beside you to help you out."

But make no mistake, competition still exists within

Healthy training camp battles are always a good sign. The best athletes enjoy being pushed by their peers and challenged to improve each day.

A major benefit of the internal development piece, while also making some splashes with the additions of Bridges and Kennard, is that it naturally creates a loaded depth chart. Plenty of guys up and down this roster believe they can make an impact from day one - and they all have a point.

The most notable spot for healthy competition will be the frontcourt.

With center Mark Williams being out with a shoulder injury, the door is now open for minutes and increased opportunities for Maluach and Oso Ighodaro, who have developed a strong bond over the last 14 months and pushed each other to become the greatest versions of themselves.

There will be opportunities for both, as the gameplan will change from night to night depending on the opponent. But it will be fascinating to see how the minutes fluctuate and how they continue leveling up as the season progresses.

"I expect a highly competitive camp, starting with those guys," Ott said. "It's two young guys that are thirsty and hungry to get out there."

Let's also not sleep on the backcourt and wing positions. The Suns are overflowing with versatility on the wings, with a great balance of veterans and younger players on the rise.

Miles Bridges, Rasheer Fleming, Ryan Dunn, Haywood Highsmith, and rookie Koa Peat each bring different strengths to the table. Ott would love to utilize them all in certain pockets.

"We do have great depth," Ott said. "There's multiple ways. We can play with a traditional big, or we can play a non-traditional big (in small-ball lineups). I think that's some of the learnings that I picked up in year one. To quickly get to another layer."

The same goes for the guards, as Collin Gillespie, Jordan Goodwin, Luke Kennard, and Jamaree Bouyea have all proven they can supply a boost in any given matchup.

It's going to take some time for Ott and the Suns to see how the rotations shake out. That's what training camp is for - to see which lineup combinations are the most optimal moving forward.

There are always one or two surprises from camp, in terms of who shows out and who maximizes their opportunity. Fortunately for the Suns, everyone is bringing the right attitude to practice.

"It's going to be great and super competitive," Fleming said. "All of the guys work hard and we all have the same goal. It's going to help us get there at the end of the day."

But if there's one thing we know, it's that Phoenix will make rotation decisions based on who fits the team's identity. There is a clear roadmap of what type of winning behaviors will earn minutes on the floor.

"I think it's just buying in," Goodwin said. "Guys locking in and knowing this is our system. If you don't guard, you're not going to play."

Khaman Maluach's growth has impressed everyone in the building

Although it was a rainy and cloudy afternoon on Media Day, you couldn't tell because of how much the pavilion was glowing any time a player spoke on Maluach's growth.

The ascension started last season as Maluach progressed well during his Valley Suns reps and carried that into positive minutes at the NBA level. Then, he showed a tangible jump during his Summer League moments.

But if you ask his teammates and the Suns front office, he's reached another gear since July.

"When you see his body today, his body has changed, he's gotten stronger, he runs differently, he moves differently," General Manager Brian Gregory said. "He just turned 20 years old, so there's a huge growth potential. But when we talk about the work ethic and putting in the time for that development, he's done it every single day, a lot of times twice a day."

More than his physical attributes, which are night and day compared to his rookie training camp, what always stands out with Maluach is his genuine curiosity.

He's constantly seeking new information. His learning threshold doesn't exist. He's never satisfied with how many tools he can add to his game on a given day.

Booker noticed it last year in his rookie center. But it went up a level this offseason.

"He's asking a lot of questions, but you can tell he's asking them when he already knows the answer and he knows what to do. It's been a pleasure to watch him grow. He's taken the biggest leap out of anybody I've seen this summer. With the unfortunate injury to Mark, I think he's going to be thrown into the fire a lot more. He'll get to learn through experience."

Those summer workouts with Booker proved how much Maluach is trying to be a sponge and how eager he is to become the next dominant pick-and-roll partner that Book can thrive next to.

"It's something he reached out to me about," Booker said. "We would end up being in the gym at the same time, late at night. Then one day he texted me and was like, 'can we get some work in together.' So, I think that guard-and-big relationship is super important and he's way ahead of the curve going into his second year."

Even the new players recognized how different Man Man's drive is, especially at 20 years old.

"He is one of the hardest workers I've been around in my career," Kennard said. "In just a short time, I've learned that and I've seen it. He's worked on his shot a lot, and it looks really good. He just plays hard. He's skilled, but when you have a guy that's skilled and can shoot the ball but also competes and plays hard, that goes a long way."

Sharing a Duke connection and with Maluach being a dynamic roller, Kennard is pumped to see how they can formulate some chemistry on the floor.

"He's been here working his butt off all summer," Kennard said. "It's been cool to see and get connected with him."

If you're looking for the best attribute that will carry Maluach through year two, which will inevitably feature ups and downs, it remains unchanged from the moment he was drafted.

He's wise beyond his years and simply enjoys the process of putting one foot in front of the other.

"He understands where he's at in this spectrum and where he wants to get to," Gregory said. "I think that's a great trait for him because he's never going to get too high or too low because of that."

biggest-themes-from-phoenix-suns-media-day

Biggest themes from Phoenix Suns Media Day

The Phoenix Suns are determined to build on the success of last season and elevate themselves in a stacked Western Conference by doubling down on the formula that earned them league-wide respect.

They are looking to surpass outside expectations again, this time leaning on the internal development and continued growth of everyone in the building.

The Suns are returning 76.2% of their player minutes from last season, giving Phoenix the sixth-highest continuity rating in the league. For the Suns, it's their highest mark since the beginning of 2021-22, which led to the best regular season in franchise history.

This season will also mark the second time over the last decade that Phoenix has been above 70% continuity. That's a major testament to the culture and collective buy-in from last season, as players are excited about growing together in the Valley.

Continuity has always mattered in sports, and it played a role in crowning the last two NBA champions. Both the New York Knicks (3rd) and Oklahoma City Thunder (7th) had ratings above 78% heading into their title-winning seasons. While it doesn't always equal more wins, less roster turnover does help eliminate early season hiccups.

The Suns' front office, led by General Manager Brian Gregory, entered the offseason with a list of goals. One of them was focusing on internal growth by re-signing their own free agents, which they took care of early in the process.

"Our continuity and internal development are so critical for us right now," Gregory said at the conclusion of last season. "When those two come together, we have a chance in front of us. With the continuity of our players, the continuity of our staff, with a huge focus on development, we're going to take big jumps this summer and you're going to see it next season."

Continuity is a major ingredient that helps turn a newfound identity into a long-lasting legacy that fans are proud of, which is always the organization's priority.

"I think the only way to do it is with everybody on the same page," Gregory said. "That's where we're at right now. And that's why we're in a good place. We have a solid foundation to continue to build on."

Maintaining that identity from last season will be important, and it helps to have two established veterans entering the mix that fit the Suns' style while also bringing unique strengths to the rotation.

Joining the group of returning players will be Miles Bridges and Luke Kennard, who both have a strong feel for the game and can easily plug right into head coach Jordan Ott's vision. They will accelerate the Suns' push toward a modern approach while further embracing the identity Phoenix set in motion.

Top of the Suns' priority list over the last two summers has been upgrading their athleticism and building a team that not only creates more possessions, but maximizes each one.

By incorporating Bridges, the 28-year-old with a resume of versatile scoring and underrated playmaking, Phoenix is looking to increase their speed and downhill presence. With the defense-first formula serving as proof of concept, they know it can lead to more opportunities to run.

That's good news for Bridges, who is accustomed to playing in transition. He finished 205 possessions that classified as transition chances last season - a number that would have ranked second on the Suns, behind only Devin Booker.

Implementing more zip into any offense should be viewed as a benefit, especially in transition when the defense is scrambling to get matched up.

Where the Suns will immediately notice a difference is having a player who can ignite the offense with grab-and-go opportunities. Closing out a defensive possession with a rebound and immediately pushing the ball up the floor is an underrated talent - and it's a style that Bridges has enjoyed playing for years.

Over the last three seasons, Bridges has ranked in the 87th percentile amongst all wings in defensive rebounding rate. His explosiveness will shine on the boards, helping the Suns take their mission of winning the possession margin up a few notches. Their hunger on the offensive glass will remain, but defensive rebounding matters just as much.

Bridges also fits directly into the team-wide approach of guarding your yard and keeping the ball in front. As a defender, his biggest strength comes from his size and switchability. While he mostly starts by guarding wings, he's able to switch assignments throughout a play. He can make life difficult on ball-handlers with his lateral quickness, but also switch onto bigger power forwards and centers in certain contexts.

Ott will have another option for those small-ball lineups when the situation calls for more speed and versatility. Although they would prefer to have more size on the floor in most matchups, it's always a good thing to have more lineup flexibility as a button you can press.

Phoenix will focus on taking their turnover-forcing habits to greater heights, with last year proving what is possible when you dominate the possession battle. They registered 781 steals last season, which was the most turnovers any Suns team had forced in the last 45 years.

Now, there is more incentive to create those fastbreaks. Any time his team forces a turnover, Bridges is sprinting to the rim. That becomes a handful for defenses to deal with, especially when shooters are also dashing to the corner. If the Suns can replicate their defensive success and keep creating havoc, transition will become pick-your-poison.

Bridges is also a smart defensive player that uses his size to affect shots and create problems for the opponent. While contesting shots, he ranked in the 79th percentile last season in efficiency differential - meaning opposing shooters experienced a decrease in results when Bridges was the nearest defender.

A crucial part of defense is keeping fouls at a minimum, which is another area Phoenix should benefit from having Bridges in the lineup. He's ranked in the 93rd percentile in foul rate over the last three years, helping Charlotte string together stops and build momentum.

Luke Kennard will also join the mix, bringing his unmatched 3-point efficiency to the table and giving the Suns more spacing relief.

Throughout NBA history, 310 players have attempted at least 2,000 threes in their career. None of them have been more accurate than Kennard, making 44.2% of his long-range attempts since entering the league.

He's coming off a strong offensive season with the Lakers and Hawks, posting the second-highest efficiency among any guard in history to attempt 400+ shots. That includes inside the arc, where he shot 60% and capitalized in the paint when defenses ran him off the line.

Spacing is going to be important when Kennard is playing next to Devin Booker, Jalen Green, or Miles Bridges. With all three of those players being downhill creators, Kennard's gravity and movement off the ball will alleviate some of the defensive pressure.

As a spot-up threat, it doesn't get better than him. Since the 2023 season, possessions ending with him shooting off a spot-up have produced a scorching 127 offensive rating. For perspective, any offensive action above the 120 mark is considered elite.

On plays where Kennard started the possession as a spacer and ultimately took a shot, his true shooting percentage was 69.8% - the highest mark in the NBA and the best of his career:

Since he was traded to Memphis in 2023, Kennard has played roughly 23 minutes per game while attempting 4.2 threes. One of the reasons Kennard's volume isn't as high as other historical 3-point leaders is simple: He enjoys putting the ball on the floor to give his team more offensive fluidity.

He's more than just a shooter. By leveraging his outside threat, Kennard is able to keep opponents guessing and put the opposing defense in rotation. That's arguably the most important skill a player can have.

Spacing will still be his bread and butter, as evidenced below with his play-type frequency, but notice his efficiency (green bars on the right side) as it pertains to creation and finishing inside:

More than anything, Kennard will help the Suns improve their offensive flow. He'll provide space on every possession and make defenders pay when there's an overreaction, which is all you can ask for.

At the end of the day, there's tremendous value in a team doubling down on its strengths and finding ways to improve on the margins. That's how you build an identity that sticks.

With more than 76% of the Suns' rotation coming back, along with new additions to the proven system, Phoenix is betting that continuity and a relentless commitment to Suns DNA will be their competitive advantages.

how-continuity-will-help-the-phoenix-suns-strengthen-their-identity

How continuity will help the Phoenix Suns strengthen their identity

74 Non-National Exclusive Games to Air Locally Over-The-Air on Arizona’s Family and Stream on Suns+ in the Arizona’s Family Sports App

Arizona Sports 98.7 and KSUN La Mejor Radio Return as Radio Partners

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns today announced the team’s comprehensive local broadcast schedule for the 2026-27 NBA season, featuring 74 non-national exclusive games and all five preseason contests broadcast on Arizona’s Family and on Suns+ within the Arizona’s Family Sports app. Arizona Sports 98.7 and KSUN La Mejor Radio return as the radio partners for Suns broadcasts.

CBS 5 and Arizona’s Family Sports will air the Coca-Cola & Fry’s Food Stores Tip-Off Suns on Saturday, Oct. 24 against the Golden State Warriors. Aside from the home opener, all other Arizona’s Family broadcasts during the regular season will air live on both 3TV and Arizona’s Family Sports. Arizona’s Family will exclusively broadcast 71 regular season games locally, including the season opener on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at the Portland Trail Blazers. All locally available broadcasts will stream on Suns+ in the Arizona’s Family Sports app with a paid subscription. Fans can subscribe starting Oct. 1 at azfamilysports.com.

Suns veteran play-by-play announcer Kevin Ray will return for his 10th season as the television voice of the Suns and will be joined by rotation of analysts including former Suns players Eddie Johnson and Rex Chapman, as well as basketball Hall of Famer Ann Meyers Drysdale. Johnson enters his 27th season as an analyst, while Meyers Drysdale enters her 15th season. Chapman joins the broadcast team to serve as analyst alongside Ray for over 20 road games this season after filling in as a guest analyst last season. Amanda Pflugrad returns for her fourth season as the Suns sideline reporter.

In the studio, Tom Leander will lead the hosting duties for Suns Game Time pregame, halftime and postgame programming, alongside analyst and Suns Ring of Honor member Tom Chambers. For the second season, former Suns player Frank Kaminsky III will join the studio as an analyst for select games. Suns Game Time pregame coverage will begin 30-minutes prior to every local broadcast, and postgame coverage, which features player and coach interviews, game highlights and in-depth analysis from Suns studio team, will conclude 30-minutes following each game. All pre and postgame shows will air on the same stations as the game.

Arizona Sports 98.7 returns as the Suns flagship radio station, continuing a long-standing relationship that began in 1968. Jon Bloom enters his fourth season as the Suns full-time radio voice alongside former Suns player Tim Kempton who returns for his 25th season as radio analyst. Select games will broadcast on ESPN 620 in place of Arizona Sports 98.7.

KSUN La Mejor Radio on 1400AM and 106.5FM will return as the Spanish radio broadcast partner of the Phoenix Suns. Veteran play-by-play announcer Arturo Ochoa returns for his 23rd season calling games, alongside analyst Samuel Sandoval who enters his fifth season.

Arizona’s Family 3TV broadcasts on KTVK in Phoenix and Arizona’s Family Sports broadcasts on KPHE in Phoenix, KAZF in Flagstaff, KOLD in Tucson and KAZS in Yuma.

*The 74-game local broadcast schedule could potentially have up to two more games added to be played between Dec. 4-11, pending the team’s outcomes in Emirates NBA Cup Group Play.

phoenix-suns-announce-2026-27-local-broadcast-schedule-on-arizonas-family

Phoenix Suns Announce 2026-27 Local Broadcast Schedule on Arizona's Family

Preparing for his 12th season in the Valley, Devin Booker has earned his reputation as one of the NBA's most talented – and loyal – guards of the last decade.

He is currently the fourth-longest tenured player in the league with one franchise, playing all 737 games in a Suns uniform.

This year, it will look slightly different when he's introduced at Mortgage Matchup Center on Oct. 24 in the season opener. Wearing No. 15 to honor his family history, he'll be ushering in a new chapter of his career.

But he'll still be the same Devin Booker.

He'll be the same leader who enjoys unifying everyone in the locker room, giving back to the fanbase, and making the right plays with the ball.

Before the grind begins for another All-Star season, let's examine two of his underrated strengths that Suns fans witnessed up close last year.

Booker embraces every role and responsibility that comes with being Phoenix’s leader, both in the community and on the court. He has never taken it for granted.

He understands what it means to be a franchise superstar and doesn't shy away from it. Superstars are the ones who take a vision from the coaching staff and front office, bring it to life every day, and lead their group through the ups and downs of a season.

On the floor, Book has done exactly that – and it shines through his unselfishness.

We've seen Booker take consistent steps forward as the Suns’ floor general over the last few years, making him someone that everyone loves playing with. Displaying unwavering trust in your teammates is something he prides himself on, and it's a necessary ingredient when building team chemistry.

He is the Suns' primary creator, setting the table and being the main reason Phoenix generates wide-open shots.

Finishing last year with 1,053 points created off assists, Booker consistently looked to get everyone involved. He also recorded his third consecutive season with a 30% assist rate or higher. For context, high-caliber point guards usually fluctuate between 30-45% because they manufacture a lot of the team’s offense through playmaking.

It's a role he's welcomed since the 2021 Finals run. Since then, he's on the short list of players who attract the most double teams in the league. That's beneficial because drawing two defenders on the ball is the game's main objective at the pro level. You won't find many stars who are comfortable making the initial pass out of doubles without the expectation of getting it back.

Booker is never hunting for assists, either. He only cares about creating easier possessions for his teammates and triggering a numbers advantage.

Head coach Jordan Ott made sure to recognize Booker for his altruistic playstyle, which naturally led to career years for multiple Suns guards.

"He has the greatest awareness of game management that I've ever been around," Ott said. "The amount of bodies he sees, the amount of contact he has to take. To be able to continue making the right play, he empowers his teammates."

Everything starts with his threat as a downhill driver. When teams blitzed him in the pick-and-roll, he got off the ball early. When they let him attack without a double, he got into the paint and made good decisions. Booker ranked fourth in drives per game, behind only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jaylen Brown, and Deni Avdija. He passed on 38% of those possessions while only turning it over 6.4% of the time.

During the season, multiple coaches praised Booker for being a conductor. In terms of balancing individual scoring with playmaking duties, few handle it better than him.

"Oh he's definitely at the top," Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. "I've always been a big fan of Book and how he plays. Having him for Team USA in the Olympics last year, he was one of the only guys that could actually adapt and do what you need him to do. Every single night. Things he hasn't done before as a player in the NBA. But the things Steve [Kerr] asked him to do, or [Erik Spoelstra] asked him to do, he was able to adapt and do it every night. You love those kind of guys."

Putting the ball in the bucket is still important to keep defenders honest, though, and he hasn't let that slip. Averaging 26.1 points, he's now tied for the most seasons eclipsing 25 points per game since entering the league in 2015.

When he needs to score and notices single coverage, Booker can easily get to his spots and produce reliable offense. Even though his efficiency dipped a little last year, he still recorded his eighth season above 50% on two-pointers while attempting at least 11 shots per game.

Among all guards in NBA history, that number ties him with Tony Parker and Kyrie Irving – and places him just one behind Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson for some legendary company:

Looking ahead to October when training camp begins, he'll continue building on the chemistry he established with his teammates while striking the right balance as a scorer and distributor.

This flew a bit under the radar as people focused more on Booker's shooting percentages, but it deserves the spotlight.

Booker ranked fifth in free throw opportunities per 100 possessions last season, putting him in the league's upper echelon of foul-drawing. He generated 520 total free throws across his 64 games played, a career-high mark that helped Phoenix in multiple ways.

Offensively, his ability to draw contact and put more pressure on the rim gave them another weapon, especially when shots weren’t falling. Booker realizes variety is a major strength in the NBA, and one of the best solutions to break any lulls is getting some freebies at the line.

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