Bright Side Roundtable: Biggest reasons for optimism and concern in 2026-27

October 18, 2026

The Phoenix Suns kick off the 2026-27 NBA season with a mix of excitement and caution as they aim to build on last year’s 45-win campaign. After falling short of playoff expectations—finishing as the eighth seed, losing their first-ever Play-In game, and exiting in a sweep—the team now faces a pivotal year to solidify its identity and push for deeper postseason runs.

A key strength lies in their balanced roster, blending young talent with proven veterans, which could translate into both competitive wins and entertaining basketball. However, a major hurdle looms in their three-point shooting, where the Suns ranked fifth in attempts but only 12th in accuracy last season.

If that trend continues, the team may struggle offensively, forcing them to rely more heavily on defense to offset potential scoring droughts.

The Suns open the season on the road against the Portland Trail Blazers, marking the start of a campaign where consistency—both in execution and results—will be critical. With a foundation already in place, the challenge will be refining their offensive approach while maintaining defensive discipline to overcome any shooting slumps.

The blend of experience and development could pay off, but the team’s ability to sustain momentum will determine how far they go in a crowded Western Conference.