The Phoenix Suns closed their preseason slate with a 123-103 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on October 14, 2026. This result caps a 1-3 preseason that included wins over the Spurs and losses to the Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons. With the regular season looming, the team's focus shifts to integrating new pieces and addressing lingering questions from last year's 45-37 campaign and first-round exit.
The Suns were active this summer, aiming to build on their eighth-place finish in the West. They re-signed key rotation players Collin Gillespie, Jordan Goodwin, and Mark Williams. Williams, however, is out until at least February, creating an immediate void in the frontcourt. The major acquisition was forward Miles Bridges via trade from the Charlotte Hornets, though he recently dealt with a minor ankle issue. To make room, Phoenix sent Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale to Charlotte.
A bright spot has been second-year big man Khaman Maluach. He dominated the Summer League, averaging 19.5 points and 12.8 rebounds while showing surprising range. His development could give head coach Jordan Ott vital lineup flexibility, especially with Williams sidelined. The battle for center minutes early on appears to be between Maluach and Oso Ighodaro.
This is the franchise's defining question. Booker's efficiency has dipped noticeably. He posted his lowest effective field goal percentage since his third season last year. His catch-and-shoot three-point percentage has fallen to 37.5% since Chris Paul's departure, and his finishing at the rim has declined for two straight seasons. After shooting 63% at the rim over seven years, he dropped to 56% in 2025-26.
The Suns must determine if this is a temporary slump related to past injuries or the start of a concerning trend. Booker's supermax contract escalates to nearly $69 million by 2030. Phoenix's ceiling is directly tied to him performing like the superstar they pay him to be. If this is his new normal, even a perfect supporting cast might not be enough for a deep playoff run.
External projections are cautious. Preseason power rankings slot the Suns at No. 20 overall. The best-case scenario, as outlined by analysts, sees them grabbing the No. 6 seed in the competitive Western Conference. That path requires internal growth from young players like Maluach, Ryan Dunn, and Jalen Fleming within a defensive system that showed promise last season.
The opening week schedule is tough, with a road game in Portland followed by a home date with Golden State. But first, they have one final tune-up, a home preseason contest against the Utah Jazz on October 16. How this team answers its major questions will define a season balanced between playoff hope and significant uncertainty.
