The Phoenix Suns experienced various emotions in 2025. What seemed like a perfect match on the surface quickly turned to frustration throughout the group. This led to an offseason overhaul, with the firing of Mike Budenholzer, Bradley Beal being picked up by the LA Clippers, and Kevin Durant heading to the Houston Rockets.
In Durant’s trade to Space City, the Purple and Orange received its new core of Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green along with rookies Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming and Koby Brea. Along with hiring Jordan Ott, they have started 19-13 in the 2025-26 campaign. Thus, giving hope and joy to their fans in the Valley.
As the calendar shifts to 2026, here are some tips for the seventh team in the Western Conference.
4 New Year’s Resolutions For The Suns
1. Keep Devin Booker as the star
Make no mistake, Devin Booker has been a key player over the past decade. Entering the new year, the Suns need to do what they can to manage him overtime.
This season, his first as Phoenix’s leading star, Booker has averaged 25.3 points, 6.4 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game. Solid numbers for the veteran. But he has also seen more trips to the free-throw line, averaging 8.4 attempts per game.
In other words, Booker has adjusted well into his point guard position: finding outlet passes towards new teammates, while finding a new edge to gain points in the paint. Whether or not Ott’s side signs a point guard in the offseason, Booker’s offensive versatility is unmatched.
2. Give Jalen Green a smooth transition/position
After starting every regular season game over the past two seasons, Jalen Green has faced some adversity, and his move to the Valley has been choppy.
Missing all of preseason with a right hamstring strain, Green made his Suns debut on Nov. 6, dropping 29 points, three rebounds and three assists against the LA Clippers. He re-aggravated the injury two days later in the return leg.
Nonetheless, Green has become accustomed to his new squad, celebrating with them on the bench. He oftentimes makes appearances with his teammates during postgame interviews, accidentally cursing during Collin Gillespie’s postgame interview after the Suns’ Dec. 29 victory at the Washington Wizards.
With Brooks and Gillespie assisting Booker in the attack, Ott does not have to rush Green back to the starting shooting guard position. But it will be interesting to see how Green fits into the system once he is at 100 percent.
3. Find a healthy balance in the dog mentality
One of the reasons for the Suns’ success into the new year has been its “dog mentality,” dubbed by Brooks before the season began. It is a mindset that has grown the team’s toughness, especially in late-game situations.
However, that has also led to some chippy moments between teams. Once against the Los Angeles Lakers on Dec. 14, where Brooks shoved LeBron James after hitting a go-ahead three-pointer. Thus, giving Los Angeles free throws in the final minute. In a Dec. 27 contest against the New Orleans Pelicans, Mark Williams was ejected after jarring with Jose Alvarado.
The “dog mentality” has created an edge for the Suns. But it has also caused them to lose games and players.
4. Sign Collin Gillespie long term
While Collin Gillespie looked destined for a breakout season, he has exceeded expectations.
Playing all 32 games and starting 13, Gillespie has averaged 13.9 points, 5.1 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game. Additionally, he is third on the team in scoring and second in assists.
It is safe to say that Gillespie is a pivotal part of this team and has bought into Ott’s coaching philosophy. So, the Suns will have to make a pivotal decision on his one-year deal over two million dollars at the end of this season.
Questions loom, especially in Gillespie’s presumable growth in salary. 12 Suns make more money than him. But his youth can make him a key component in the Valley over the coming years.
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