Former Suns Coach Believes Phoenix Is Ready To Make Noise in West

The Phoenix Suns are entering the 2026-27 season with designs of reaching the playoffs - and even winning a series in the process.

There is skepticism surrounding the construction and makeup of this team despite the high internal hopes, which murks the waters of what expectations truly should be.

Former Suns player/coach Tyrone Corbin gave his honest opinion on the current state of the team/franchise in a recent talk with Kyle Odegard.

“They did a good job last year. They’re a team that’s going to make some noise in the Western Conference, in my opinion.”

Just how much noise can the Suns make?

This is very likely to be dependent on factors ranging from injury luck, to shooting variance, to what extent Devin Booker returns to form as an efficient scorer.

This is a reason why Corbin believes the Suns will continue cutting into the power structure of the Western Conference this season.

“Booker is mature now. He’s understanding more every year with these changes what it takes to have a chance to win. He’s going to get his numbers. He’s that kind of offensive skill guy. To bring in Miles Bridges and these other pieces, I think it gives them a chance to be a good team.”

The scoring rhythms Booker finds himself in will be dependent on several factors, including how Bridges integrates in the offense. In theory, Bridges will compliment Booker positively as brought up by Corbin. The Michigan State alum would create advantages via athleticism, impeccable timing on various on-ball actions, and in leveraging passing talent that has been under-appreciated for years.

Beyond Bridges is a Phoenix roster that might be better suited to work around Booker's skillset as a whole. The addition of sharpshooter Luke Kennard didn't receive the recognition that it should have, as the Duke product is quite clearly a stronger fit in regards to what Jordan Ott wants to do in comparison with Grayson Allen. 

There's little doubt that some of the organizational structure within the team is a work-in-progress. The Suns certainly need time to maximize what they have with Bridges and Kennard, while rising stars such as Khaman Maluach will receive more run relative to last season. 

The roadblocks in place aren't easy to ignore. There's certainly a world where it takes too long for the Suns' core to figure things out this season. However, Corbin makes a very astute point that the roster construction this year might result in a different level of Booker as well.

Phoenix is seen as being in perpetual no-man's-land at the moment. Even through this, there are signs that indicate the roster that GM Brian Gregory played a role in constructing has another level they can reach. 

Time will tell what comes of this incredibly consequential season, but there are reasons to be optimistic that positive returns can and will come early. 

Phoenix opens the season on the road against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night.