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Suns' Ugly Start Raises One Uncomfortable Question
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- Suns' Ugly Start Raises One Uncomfortable Question
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
The first week of the 2026-27 regular season is now in the rearview mirror for the Phoenix Suns .
Phoenix sits at 1-2 through three games. While the early results aren't incredibly encouraging, is it fair to label the early portion of the 82-game schedule a failure?
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We debate this notion below.
Is "Failure" Tag Fair For Suns' Early Start?
The argument for the first three games equating to a failure comes down to two major bottom lines.
The first is the angle that Phoenix has simply been one of the worst teams in basketball per metrics through a few games.
The Suns rank 19th in offensive rating and 30th (last) in defensive rating to this stage ( Statmuse ).
The horrible defensive output is due to a blend of factors - the injuries to Mark Williams/ Oso Ighodaro , placing 29th in defensive rebounds per game, and allowing opponents to drain 48 three-point looks through three games.
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The offensive output is a bit of a disappointment as well. While Phoenix's ceiling as a complete offensive entity was seen as limited, the fit between the starting unit doesn't seem to be working out thus far. The three-point shooting is a concern as well, with the Suns raking in decent volume in makes/attempts, but the efficiency leaves much to be desired.
This connects directly to the connectivity of the starting lineup. Miles Bridges and Dillon Brooks don't seem to be gelling too well as ball-dominant wings that don't create much off the dribble. Ditto for Devin Booker and Jalen Green, who seem to be a more effective fit together in a pinch rather than as a regular pairing.
There are reasons to believe that it's too early to rush to judgement as well.
Why It's Too Early to Panic About Phoenix
Two of the Suns' first three opponents are firing on all cylinders. The contest against the Portland Trail Blazers to open the season was always an uphill climb to win. Portland was celebrating the return of Damian Lillard to the court, while the Blazers' roster is among the most dynamic in the NBA in many ways.
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The Warriors were playing with house money on Saturday, with Steve Kerr placing pieces such as De'Anthony Melton in positions to take advantage of current depth concerns. The Thunder are simply a matchup nightmare for the vast majority of the league. Phoenix did put together an overall respectable performance offensively as well, which lends hopes that they will be able to find footing.
It's also far too early to lose faith in Jordan Ott as a coach. The second-year leader of the Suns has done little other than prove doubters wrong, and it should be the assumption that the coaching staff maximizes the development process for the under-25 core.
