The vibe at Suns Media Day was much different than a season ago. It feels as if the team has a strategy and vision for success.
Yesterday, the Phoenix Suns’ Media Day marked the start of the 2024-25 campaign, bringing a fresh wave of hope, optimism, and a few new faces to the roster. Losses of the past no longer matter. It’s a new season.
Let me begin by saying how blessed and grateful I am to have had the opportunity to attend and cover the team on behalf of Bright Side of the Sun. As a lifelong fan, every time I walk into that building with a media credential around my neck, I’m reminded of just how humbling and special the experience is. It’s truly a fun and unique honor. Appreciate you every day, DK.
There’s nothing I love more than NBA basketball. Media Day kicks the season off and I’m blessed and grateful to cover the @Suns again for @BrightSideSun and @SBNationNBA. #SunsUp pic.twitter.com/RTzQ6O9Hp3
— John Voita (@DarthVoita) October 1, 2024
Yesterday marked my third Suns Media Day, and it’s wild to think how much has changed in such a short time. Back in 2022, the atmosphere on Media Day was dark and heavy. Robert Sarver had just been suspended, forcing everyone interviewed to address his actions. Despite the team coming off a 64-win season, excitement was dampened by Jae Crowder’s decision to sit out the season and not report to the team.
To top it off, the event was held in a stuffy, cramped building across from the arena, which only added to the high drama and low morale.
Last season’s Suns Media Day was all about change. It was a baptism of new faces. With only four players returning and a new coach at the helm, the focus shifted from strategy to introductions. While we heard the usual optimism, both the players and coaches shared the same sentiment as the fans: we wouldn’t really know what this team could do until we saw it on the court.
This year was much different, in that this is a team that now appears to have vision and direction. You can credit Mike Budenholzer, who, as Suns owner Mat Ishbia noted, “Bud cares about every detail, every aspect. There’s no detail too small for this guy. He’s not waiting for the season. He’s in the gym. He’s ready. He’s also the leader. He has great leadership skills.”
Ah. Leadership. Detail orientated. If this is true, this a 180° turn from a season ago.
Coach Bud is seizing control, not only by shaping his system but also by building strong connections with the players. Several team members mentioned that they had spoken with Coach Budenholzer, who offered them valuable off-season guidance to help them prepare for the upcoming season.
“I feel like since day one,” Jusuf Nurkic said, “Coach Bud came and I had a great conversation with him, man to man. Then he came and visited me at home. Was really helpful to see the way we want to play.”
Connectivity, open dialogue, and clear expectations. These are essential qualities of a leader, and so far, Budenholzer is hitting all the right marks. However, one of the most crucial traits of leadership — accountability —r emains to be seen as the season unfolds.
While there’s continuity with nine returning players, there’s also a strong sense of connection within the team. This wasn’t a group feeding us the usual talking points or simply praising the star power of Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant. Instead, they exuded a quiet confidence, almost as if they were thinking, “Does anyone truly realize how good this roster is?”
Optimism is present, just like last year, but this time it’s backed by a palpable sense of confidence from player to player. Each player understands their role, whether it’s Grayson Allen embracing his role as sixth man, even if it means giving up a starting spot, or Jusuf Nurkic recognizing that he’ll once again be taking shots from beyond the three-point line.
“It doesn’t mean I’m going to shoot 10 threes a game,” Nurk stated. “I wish. But for me it’s just having the free will to take them again.”
Mike Budenholzer on Jusuf Nurkic taking 3s: “There definitely has been 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….we’re gonna push that envelope.”
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) September 30, 2024
As Media Day wrapped up and I drove home, one thought stayed with me: the Suns lacked direction last year. Various factors, from coaching strategy to battling injuries, left them without a clear vision or sense of cohesion. Yesterday, I felt both were finally in place. Coach Budenholzer didn’t say what we want to hear…he’s showing us.
We’ll see how it plays out on the court, but it’s a promising start.