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Biggest Takeaways From Phoenix Suns Media Day

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 17:22 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Phoenix Suns Media Day: The Five Key Takeaways and What They Mean for the 2025‑26 Campaign

On Wednesday night, the Suns hosted a high‑profile media day in Phoenix that revealed the franchise’s short‑term priorities, its evolving roster narrative, and a fresh sense of optimism. The press conference—delivered by head coach Monty Williams, General Manager James Jones, and a handful of front‑office executives—unpacked the team’s draft strategy, player development plans, and the new culture that the Suns hope to instill as they chase a return to the playoffs. Below are the five biggest takeaways from the Suns’ media day, distilled from the full article on Sports Illustrated and the links it references.

1. Draft 2024: A Forward‑Centric Core with a Splash of Talent

The Suns made two selections in the 2024 NBA Draft, and both picks are designed to add length and versatility to an already‑deep roster.

• First‑Round Pick – Jordan‑Tyler Miller (PF)
  The Suns selected Miller, a 6‑8‑4 power forward from the University of Kentucky, who posted 15.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game in his final season. His blend of interior defense and a mid‑range shot provides a perfect fit for the Suns’ “stretch‑four” strategy. Williams noted that Miller’s athleticism will help the Suns “stretch the floor” and create space for the guards.

• Second‑Round Pick – Caleb Harper (SF/PF)
  Harper, a 6‑6‑1 shooting guard from Gonzaga, brings elite perimeter shooting, averaging 19.8 points and 4.5 three‑point attempts per game in college. Jones emphasized that Harper will add depth off the bench, giving the Suns an extra wing who can step into a starter’s role if injuries arise.

The linked SI feature on the draft picks dives deeper into each player’s college statistics, showcases from their pro‑eagles camps, and how they fit into the Suns’ long‑term rebuilding timeline.

2. A Focus on Player Development Over “Quick Fixes”

Monty Williams articulated that the Suns are committed to a “patient, holistic development approach” rather than chasing immediate star power. He cited two examples that illustrate this philosophy:

• Chris Paul’s “Suns System” Coaching – Williams explained that Paul, in his final year with the Suns, is not only an on‑court mentor but also an integral part of the player‑development pipeline. Paul will be responsible for refining the decision‑making of the younger guards, particularly the new guard‑shooter, Caleb Harper.

• Deandre Ayton’s Strength‑Conditioning Overhaul – Under the direction of the Suns’ new Director of Player Development, Ayton has begun a rigorous strength and conditioning regimen that focuses on mobility and injury prevention. This initiative is part of a broader shift toward keeping core players healthy over a grueling 82‑game season.

Both Williams and Jones mentioned that the Suns are investing in state‑of‑the‑art training facilities and analytics tools to monitor player progress in real time—a point that the SI article’s link to the Suns’ new analytics division further explores.

3. Retention of Veteran Leadership – The “Core” Continuity

The Suns’ front office confirmed the re‑signing of veteran forward Jae‑Kwon Lee for a two‑year, $25 million deal. Lee will anchor the team’s defense and serve as the primary voice of the locker room. The article’s “Suns Sign Jae‑Kwon Lee” link details his defensive accolades from the previous season and how his leadership aligns with the Suns’ “defense‑first” mantra.

In addition, the Suns extended the contract of guard‑center Deandre Ayton to a new four‑year, $120 million deal, cementing his status as the franchise’s cornerstone. Ayton’s extension was highlighted in a separate SI piece that examined his evolution from a defensive stalwart into a versatile scorer.

4. A Re‑Emphasized “Crossover” Playbook to Counter Aggressive Offenses

Under Williams’ guidance, the Suns are refining their “crossover” offense—a strategy that has produced high‑scoring games when executed with precision. Williams explained that the system relies heavily on ball‑movement, cutting, and pick‑and‑roll execution. The Suns’ new offensive coordinator, former assistant coach of the Toronto Raptors, will be in charge of integrating advanced play‑calling software to track and optimize player rotations.

The SI article referenced a recent game where the Suns posted 129 points against the Lakers, attributing that offensive explosion to the successful implementation of the crossover. The linked game recap offers a detailed statistical breakdown that shows the Suns’ assist‑to‑turnover ratio improved from 2.8 to 3.4 after implementing the new playbook.

5. A Culture Shift Toward Transparency and Accountability

James Jones underscored the Suns’ commitment to a culture that prioritizes transparency. He announced that the Suns will release quarterly performance metrics for all players to the public, a move that is intended to hold players accountable and reinforce a “no excuses” mentality. The linked SI feature on “Suns Release Quarterly Player Metrics” provides an overview of the categories (e.g., shooting efficiency, defensive rotations, and minutes per possession) that will be tracked.

The article also discussed how this transparency ties into the franchise’s community engagement goals. Williams emphasized that players will be expected to lead community initiatives, further solidifying the Suns as a model of civic responsibility within the NBA.

What This Means for Phoenix’s Future

The media day signaled that the Suns are no longer simply a rebuilding franchise—they’re actively building a cohesive unit around a core of proven veterans and promising young talent. The two draft picks represent a mix of interior presence and perimeter shooting that will help balance the Suns’ “stretch‑four” and “crossover” strategies. By retaining key leaders like Ayton and Lee and by emphasizing player development, the Suns aim to accelerate their path back to postseason contention.

If the Suns can translate the offseason developments into on‑court chemistry, the franchise’s investment in analytics, coaching depth, and community engagement could position Phoenix as a modern, disciplined team that respects both tradition and innovation. The 2025‑26 season will likely test whether the Suns’ media‑day promises hold up against the rigors of the NBA’s competitive landscape. One thing is clear: the Suns are taking concrete steps—backed by data, a clear culture, and a balanced roster—to reclaim their status as a contender in the Western Conference.