Phoenix Suns Season Outlook: Booker, Bridges & More

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Game Time Decisions

Suns Expected to Remain Competitive as Booker Takes on a Larger Scoring Role

There are plenty of questions surrounding the Phoenix Suns, but expectations remain relatively steady. After being projected to win around 30 games last season, Phoenix won 45 games and made the playoffs under first-year head coach Jordan Knott. Now entering his second season, Knott leads a roster that appears to have improved.

The Suns added Miles Bridges from Charlotte and Luke Kinnard, who played for the Lakers and Hawks last season. They could also benefit from internal development. Jalen Green dealt with a persistent hamstring injury for much of last season, while Devin Booker says he improved during the offseason. With the young players also developing, another season in the mid-40s appears possible.

Phoenix’s effort remains one of its defining qualities. While some believe opponents have figured out the Suns, their willingness to play harder than other teams could continue to separate them.

Booker will once again be central to the team’s success, but his role could change. After switching to No. 15 to honor the number his father wore in college and during his professional career, Booker said the new number means he intends to shoot more.

That shift could be supported by Green taking on more ball-handling responsibilities. Green played significant minutes at point guard during the preseason, which could allow Booker to work off the ball and come off screens more often. Booker averaged approximately 26.1 points and six assists per game last season, finishing in the top 10 in scoring and the top 20 in assists. More opportunities off the ball could push his scoring average closer to 28 or 29 points if his three-point shot is falling.

Miles Bridges is expected to serve as a key secondary option after the Suns traded Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neal and a draft pick to acquire him from Charlotte. The power forward position was one of Phoenix’s biggest weaknesses last season, and Bridges is expected to start there immediately.

Although Bridges has never played in the NBA playoffs, he enters a situation with several familiar connections. He played at Michigan State, while Knott, the general manager and the owner also have Michigan State ties. That familiarity could help him become comfortable as he takes on significant responsibilities at both ends of the court. After Dylan Brooks produced a career year in his ninth NBA season, the Suns hope Bridges can make a similar impact.