New look Suns feel energized, ready to take next step

The Suns are at the top of league discussion.

Phoenix has been since making the finals in 2021.

Then again when Mat Ishbia took over as owner about eight months ago.

And again following a mid season trade for Kevin Durant on Ishbia’s first full day.

Add the Bradley Beal deal to the mix this summer too.

The final ingredient: trading Deandre Ayton to Portland in a three-team swap.

Lots was said at media day. Some of it should give fans hope. Other things mean nothing until results come.

The results are pending until June. A parade is the only acceptable one.

One thing that really stood out, per usual with Ishbia, is the team’s commitment to fan experience.

Quote of the day:

“It’s crazy that fans can’t watch all the games,” Ishbia said in response to a question regarding the franchise’s bold deal with Gray Media. “Although that’s commonplace that doesn’t mean it’s right.”

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“It’s crazy that fans can’t watch all the games… although that’s commonplace that doesn’t mean it’s right.”

This is how you innovate. This is how you earn fan trust. The new tv deal will change how other franchises operate in that space moving forward. #Suns pic.twitter.com/NFpGJFEuMI

— Jordan Spurgeon (@spurge_) October 2, 2023

This showcases the Suns are at the forefront in business and basketball in an ever-changing media landscape.

The Stars

Of course Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal said all the right things. They’re ready to play together. They admire each other’s games. The ball will go around all the time.

There is lots of discussion about who the “point guard” is. They don’t necessarily need to define that role.

“Devin won’t complain about having the ball in his hands more,” James Jones said while laughing.

“I’ve played a lot of point guard the last two years,” Beal said. “We don’t need a traditional point guard slowing us down, we need someone to rebound and get the ball to Kevin, Devin or me.”

“Devin joked that I can be the point guard,” newly acquired Jusuf Nurkic said. “We will see.”

One more note on the big three. All of them emphatically said they will play with Team USA next summer.

The Newcomers

Chimezie Metu joked at one point that he’s now one of the longest-tenured Suns (signed July 1). He’s not wrong after all the signings and the late trade last week.

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Chimezie Metu jokes he’s one of the longest tenured Suns now. He’s not wrong after signing earlier in the off-season. pic.twitter.com/QGzOqifcok

— Jordan Spurgeon (@spurge_) October 2, 2023

He can earn big minutes, So can Yuta Watanabe. And Nassir Little. And Grayson Allen. And Keita Bates-Diop among others.

These guys had the chance to showcase their personalities today. They did so, which is exciting for Suns fans who have lost many fan favorites in the last eight months.

As Booker said when asked about Deandre Ayton, that’s the business.

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Devin Booker up now.

“Trades are the hardest part of this business… just understand that people may be in a better situation for them.” pic.twitter.com/xhysNoujvj

— Jordan Spurgeon (@spurge_) October 2, 2023

Who will be the next fan-favorite player?

New head coach Frank Vogel is known for his defensive prowess. He admitted that this team is “more offensively talented than defensively talented.”

Shooting was an issue with role players last year. That won’t be the case now. It’s up to Vogel to maximize their defensive potential to match with the offensive play. Every role player said they’re excited to learn his defensive schemes.

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Last year was a sad media day following a postseason collapse and a disgruntled Ayton. That’s all out the window now. No more excuses. The time to win a chip is now.