Another season is on the direct horizon for the Phoenix Suns. 

While some in the fanbase enter the training camp phase with panic (knowing C Mark Williams is out for an extended period of time), there are definite reasons to feel optimism, even through the uncertainty. 

Follow three reasons to feel optimism for the 2026-27 campaign below. 

The Suns were among the most devoid of under-25 talent in the NBA at this time last year. 

This is no longer the case (in any way), as Phoenix now rosters C Khaman Maluach, as well as forwards Rasheer Fleming/Koa Peat, and Ryan Dunn formulate an ever-growing accompaniment of promising members of the youth movement. 

Each of these players fell to Phoenix via the virtue of being undervalued by other franchises, making their development from within a stable environment a crucial core of the Suns' operations moving forward. 

While none are a sure bet to fully grow into their own in the season ahead, there is much promise in this avenue. 

Phoenix is hedging much of their ceiling in the season ahead in the development of the 24-year-old Green. 

The second overall pick in the 2021 draft is heading into year two with the Suns. The 2026-27 season is his sixth in the NBA. This seems to be an inflection point in the California native's journey in the league. 

While the combo guard is continually among the most explosive scorers in the league at his best, there are other areas of his game that must be addressed, as well as becoming a more consistent scorer at the core of everything.

The promise Green put on display last season (including 71 points across two play-in games) should be enough to instill faith in the Phoenix fandom that tangible strides will be made across different areas of his game.

Ott, 41, was a much-maligned coaching hire when GM Brian Gregory made the call in June of 2025. 

15 months later and Ott is among the most lauded young coaching minds in the league. The longtime assistant coach blended an adaptable approach to coaching rosters, extensive experience in focusing on player development, and simple, yet profound takes on offensive/defensive systems into a 45-win Suns squad a season ago. 

The all-around allure of Ott's capabilities - as well as the coaching staff accompanying him - should absolutely lend hope that the Michigan State graduate isn't done here. 

Expect Ott to continue climbing the ladder in the power structure that is the NBA coaching fraternity.