The Phoenix Suns are now preparing for preseason game two against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night. 

However, there is still time to reflect on the Monday night defeat at the hands of the Detroit Pistons.

Below are three players that stood out in the loss, and how each projects to look heading into the Oct. 21 regular season opener. 

Booker is heading into year 12 of his career facing a new wave of scrutiny due to a belief that he is already regressing before turning 30.

The Kentucky product looks refreshed and ready to continue serving as the engine that keeps the Suns' offense running in 2026-27 despite critiques.

The Suns' all-time leading scorer went 4-7 from the floor, while also grabbing three rebounds and dishing out three assists in 15:45 of action. The all-around effort - and pull-up three-point connection - are a sign that no regression is on the horizon for the shooting guard.

Green is certainly one of the most glaring enigmas of the Phoenix season to come.

The former lottery pick is poised to take on a more hands-on playmaking role in the year ahead, including vocality from Green himself that pacing and decision-making were points of emphasis that he spent the offseason working on. 

While it took time for the sixth-year talent to get going, he certainly made an impact eventually. The most encouraging aspect of Green's performance was in getting to the free-throw line on three separate occasions.

Green averaged under three free-throw attempts per game in 2025-26, a career low figure. The hamstring injury that plagued the 24-year-old for much of last season might be the culprit, as it appears that the explosive athleticism that made the California native an elite draft prospect is back in full force.

Goodwin is back in Phoenix for the next three years after a breakout 2025-26 campaign in his second stint with the franchise. 

Goodwin's all-around brand of havoc-wreaking was in full force on Monday. The 27-year-old was far from ball-dominant, but still took six shots, including draining a three-point attempt. Beyond this, the versatile guard grabbed six total rebounds (3 offensive) and generated three steals as well for good measure. 

There's little doubt that head coach Jordan Ott will lean on Goodwin's controlled chaos once again, and the value that the Saint Louis product brings has a chance to be magnified to an even greater degree this season.