NBA legend Robert Horry believes the Phoenix Suns are being severely underestimated heading into the new season. The seven-time champion publicly backed the team to outperform low external expectations, a vote of confidence that comes as Phoenix looks to rebound from a tough end to their previous campaign. Their last official result was a 122-131 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 28, 2026, part of a recent five-game skid.
What did Robert Horry say about the Phoenix Suns?
Appearing on his own podcast, Robert Horry offered a direct counter to the prevailing national narrative. He stated that Phoenix is positioned for a stronger year than many analysts project. "Phoenix is gonna have a better record than a lot of people think," Horry said. "So I’m gonna put them a little bit higher (than the eighth seed in the West)." This endorsement from a player with seven championship rings carries significant weight in basketball circles. It challenges the common view that the Suns will regress after moving on from stars Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal last summer.
Horry's analysis seems to account for the team's injury woes last season. Only two players, Oso Ighodaro and Collin Gillespie, managed to appear in over 80 games. Key contributors like Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, and Jalen Green missed a combined total of more than 90 games. With better health, the underlying roster talent could shine through more consistently. The Suns still won 45 games despite that avalanche of injuries, showing a resilient core.
How is the Phoenix Suns' roster shaping up?
The Suns' offseason was focused on stability and targeted additions. General Manager James Jones opted to re-sign several rotation players, including Collin Gillespie, Jordan Goodwin, and center Mark Williams. These moves maintained continuity for second-year head coach Jordan Ott. The team's major external moves were executing a draft-night trade to select forward Koa Peat and acquiring scorer Miles Bridges in a deal with the Charlotte Hornets.
Bridges adds a proven offensive weapon to a group that already features Booker and Jalen Green. The frontcourt, anchored by Williams, will be tested in a loaded Western Conference. You can view the full roster construction on our [squad](/squad) page. The blend of returning youth and new veterans creates an interesting dynamic. Ott's challenge is to mold this group into a cohesive unit that can compete nightly in a brutal conference.
What challenges do the Phoenix Suns face in the Western Conference?
The path for Phoenix is undeniably difficult. The Western Conference remains the NBA's deepest and most competitive landscape. The Suns are battling established giants like the Oklahoma City Thunder and the rising San Antonio Spurs, who are expected to be at the top of the standings. Every night presents a formidable challenge, and margin for error is slim.
Phoenix's recent form highlights this difficulty. They ended their previous season with five consecutive losses, an 0-5 record in their final stretch. Turning that momentum around is job one for Coach Ott and his staff. The schedule won't offer any breaks, making a fast start important for building confidence. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming challenges on our [fixtures](/fixtures) and [standings](/standings) pages.
Can the Suns meet Robert Horry's expectations?
Horry's prediction hinges on internal development and health. If Booker returns to an MVP-caliber level and Green takes another step forward, the offensive firepower is there. The integration of Miles Bridges will be key; he needs to provide efficient scoring without disrupting the flow. Defensively, the team must improve to survive in the West.
The coaching staff, now in its second year, should have a better grasp of its personnel. Jordan Ott has a full offseason to install his systems and build chemistry. The players know the system, and the new additions must learn it quickly. Preseason will be critical for establishing rotations and an identity. Horry's comments have set a benchmark. Now it's up to the players on the court to prove the legend right and silence the doubters who expect a step back.
