The Phoenix Suns kicked off their 2024 season with a high-energy Media Day at the Footprint Center, where players, coaches, and executives shared their excitement about the upcoming season. With a reshaped roster, new head coach Mike Budenholzer, and a strong commitment to contending for an NBA title, the Suns are poised for a promising year. Here’s a recap of the biggest takeaways from Suns Media Day.
Mike Budenholzer’s Impact and Coaching Philosophy
One of the most anticipated topics of the day was the arrival of Mike Budenholzer as the Suns’ new head coach. After parting ways with Frank Vogel, the Suns believe Budenholzer is the right leader to maximize their roster’s potential.
“We feel great about coach Bud, he’s been amazing,” said owner Mat Ishbia. “We have really high expectations for him and what he’s gonna accomplish here. And to be honest with ya, he’s exceeded those so far. We haven’t started yet, we still have a lot of things to do, but everything he’s been doing — the details, the leadership, the execution — super, super happy with coach Bud.”
Budenholzer’s attention to detail, work ethic, and leadership have already made an impression on the organization. His offensive philosophy, which emphasizes 3-point shooting and ball movement, aligns well with the modern NBA. Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein echoed this sentiment, stating, “There’s attention to every single thing we do on both ends of the ball…What you’re gonna see this year is those two things being married together, to have incredible talent on the court but also play a style of basketball that gives us a chance to win the championship.”
More 3-Point Shooting with Budenholzer
A major shift under Budenholzer’s leadership will be the Suns’ focus on taking more 3-pointers. In recent seasons, Phoenix has ranked poorly in 3-point attempts despite being among the league’s best in shooting percentage. This season, Budenholzer is determined to change that.
“He preaches a lot of 3s, and I know that’s something we want to get more up,” said Suns newcomer Grayson Allen, who previously played under Budenholzer in Milwaukee. “We have a lot of great shooters, we just need to finally get more attempts up. I think his personality and coaching style fits the team really well.”
Jusuf Nurkic, who joined the team this offseason, has also been encouraged to develop his long-range shooting. After being limited in 3-point attempts under previous coaches, Nurkic will now be expected to take more shots from beyond the arc. “There definitely has been, I think, intentional work by Nurk and conversations with him about what we think he can do and add and grow, and most obviously is a 3-point shooter,” Budenholzer explained.
Bradley Beal, another key offseason acquisition, is ready to embrace the new offensive philosophy. “When you see the championship teams, like, they are first, second, third in attempts and makes and percentage. So in order for us to be in that race, we gotta start shooting ’em,” Beal noted.
Honoring Suns Legend Al McCoy
In a heartfelt gesture, the Suns announced they will honor the late Al McCoy, the team’s legendary broadcaster, by wearing a jersey band with his name throughout the season. McCoy, who passed away earlier this year, was an iconic voice for the franchise for over 50 years.
“That will be out to commemorate his legacy a little bit, so we can always remember him and think about him for the whole season,” Ishbia shared. “I’m sad we couldn’t bring him a championship while he was alive, but hopefully we’ll get one with him on our jersey, and I know he’ll be watching from above.”
Tyus Jones: The Perfect Point Guard for the Suns
One of the most talked-about moves of the offseason was the Suns’ signing of Tyus Jones, who brings elite playmaking and one of the NBA’s best assist-to-turnover ratios to Phoenix. The addition of Jones helps solidify the Suns’ backcourt, relieving Devin Booker and Bradley Beal of primary ball-handling duties.
“We can say it how it is: We got him for a steal,” Booker said. “I remember the news being broke while we were at USA and all the guys in the locker room were like, ‘Man, how did y’all get that done?’”
Jones’ presence on the roster will allow Booker, Beal, and Kevin Durant to thrive in their traditional roles, which is a key focus for Budenholzer. “I think for our roster, especially to have a point guard, a starting point guard in Tyus, I think it puts all three of those guys — but not just Book and Kevin and Brad, but the entire group — in a position to be their best,” Budenholzer said.
Kevin Durant’s Future in Phoenix
While Kevin Durant remains eligible for a contract extension, there was no major update during Media Day. Both Durant and the Suns’ front office downplayed the contract situation, emphasizing their long-term commitment to each other.
“We love having KD here,” Jones said. “We want him here. We’ll figure that out. Like Mat said, we don’t really talk about that publicly, but the thing we do talk about publicly is, like, who really wants to be here and who’s a great fit for us.”
Durant, who is focused on the upcoming season, responded, “I got two years left on my contract. I’m focused on being the best that I can every day in the moment, and we’ll figure that stuff out when it’s time.”
Ambitious Championship Goals
The 2024 Phoenix Suns Media Day offered a glimpse into a team ready to embrace change under new head coach Mike Budenholzer. With a revamped approach focused on 3-point shooting, the addition of playmakers like Tyus Jones, and a roster filled with talent, the Suns have championship aspirations. As they honor the legacy of Al McCoy and gear up for a new season, the Suns are determined to make 2024 a special year for the franchise and its fans.
