by George Lund, Cronkite News
October 22, 2025
New Beginnings for the Phoenix Suns
PHOENIX – A transformative chapter begins for the Phoenix Suns as they kick off their season against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night. Following a tumultuous offseason, the franchise is entering the Jordan Ott era, with Devin Booker leading the charge and leaving behind the Kevin Durant-Mike Budenholzer narrative.
Ishbia’s Optimistic Vision
Mat Ishbia, the ever-enthusiastic owner, expressed his frustration about the previous season in April, labeling it “embarrassing” and “a failure.” Now, he believes the organization has revamped its culture. From the coaching staff to the roster, the Suns have pressed the reset button, signaling a new direction, even if the results may not be evident on opening night.
Addressing Criticism Head-On
Ishbia isn’t afraid to publicly confront criticism. He took to X to respond to Bill Simmons, who predicted the Suns would have the worst defense in the NBA. While Simmons noted the Suns’ poor defensive rating last season, Ishbia is confident that offseason acquisitions and a stronger defensive strategy under Ott will prove him wrong, even challenging Simmons to place a bet on it.
Building Communication and Culture
Ishbia highlights improved communication this season, stating that while he supports the team, he does not interfere with decisions made by Ott and General Manager Brian Gregory. His focus is on fostering a family-oriented environment and establishing what he calls the “Suns way,” which emphasizes both on-court performance and team dynamics.
Positive Changes on the Court
The new ethos is already visible with players like Collin Gillespie, who transitioned from a two-way contract to a guaranteed deal, exemplifying the team’s renewed commitment to hard work and tenacity. Gillespie’s recent nickname reveal, “Villain JR,” highlights a shared mentality among players emphasizing competitive resilience.
A Patient Process of Transformation
Transforming the Suns’ identity is not an overnight task, and while Ishbia aspires for an entire roster that embodies the competitive spirit of new recruits like Dillon Brooks, he recognizes the gradual journey ahead. With 82 games in the season, the focus is on consistency and improvement day by day.
Anticipation for the Season Ahead
The excitement is palpable as players eagerly await the start of the season. Gillespie encapsulated the team’s energy, noting the adrenaline rush that accompanies the opportunity to showcase their hard work after the off-season. As the season kicks off, the atmosphere in Phoenix is charged with anticipation and readiness to compete.
This article first appeared on Cronkite News and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
