Phoenix Suns' Pre-Training Camp Checklist: 3 Areas of Focus

The Phoenix Suns are in the closing stages of a lengthy offseason. 

Phoenix is returning to action on Sept. 29, when training camp opens up in anticipation for preseason play. 

While expectations are tempered to a degree from the outside, there are some questions that gift validity to the outlook of the 2026-27 Suns.

Internal expectations are relatively high, and this is likely the deepest roster the Suns have employed since the 2021-22 season. Through it all, there are the aforementioned questions that need to be addressed at some point prior to the regular season opener, or very early on in the campaign.

How Will Playmaking Responsibilities be Sorted Out?

The Suns do not have a "traditional" playmaker in the sense of a Chris Paul type of floor general.

However, Phoenix does prop up several worthy playmakers despite this, including guards Devin Booker/Jalen Green/Collin Gillespie, and forward Miles Bridges.

Just how does head coach Jordan Ott and co. employ all of these talents/blend them together in the right manner? This is a challenging balancing act to take on for the coaching staff, and it will be fascinating to see how all of these players mesh together in a new context.

Is Starting C Debate Real or Not?

The assumption that Oso Ighodaro will start at center during the months-long absence of Mark Williams. 

However, second year prodigy Khaman Maluach might have something to say about this. The Duke product brings intriguing two-way talent to the table, as well as an outside game that Ighodaro hasn't quite mastered yet. 

Whether this becomes a real positional battle or not is up for debate, but there is a chance that this is the topic that twists into being the most pertinent during Phoenix's training camp.

What Will Miles Bridges' Integration Into Lineup Look Like?

This question is one that continues to be raised. What will the new-look starting lineup in Phoenix look like with the easing in of Bridges?

Will Bridges play a more connective role in the offense? Will he buy into the pressure-heavy defensive system that Ott employs? Is there a path forward for Bridges to improve around the margins as a shooter?

There are many questions that remain to be answered surrounding the 2018 lottery pick - those questions are going to come into focus when Phoenix opens up preseason play on Oct. 5 against the Detroit Pistons.