Phoenix Suns Basketball is Finally Here
PHOENIX -- The last time Phoenix Suns fans saw their team take the court, the Denver Nuggets made quick work of Devin Booker and co. before officially sending them out in Game 6 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
After months of waiting, the Suns will take the court today in the first of many steps to push towards a franchise-first NBA title.
The Suns begin their preseason in the Motor City as the Detroit Pistons play host, and there's a bit of familiarity when the ball tips off at 12:00 PM Arizona time.
Monty Williams - now coaching the Pistons after being fired by Phoenix and signing what was then the highest coaching contract ever awarded - welcomes his former Suns in what will be the first of five preseason games for Phoenix.
Though he was in charge just a few months ago, the Suns have underwent massive changes that now features just Booker as the lone player from that coveted team that made a magical run to the 2021 NBA Finals.
New governor Mat Ishbia is all in for a championship push, previously acquiring Kevin Durant at the trade deadline before landing Bradley Beal in a massive deal with the Washington Wizards.
A handful of other talented players have joined since then, though more notable names such as Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton were sent packing.
The starters aren't expected to play much in the opener, though building chemistry throughout the preseason will undoubtedly be important for new head coach Frank Vogel.
Durant himself touched on that very topic at Media Day:
"It goes without saying I always feel like we should be winning every game and championship is always the goal, but I don’t even talk about it," said Durant.
"I think the development of our team, and seeing where we are and seeing how we can come together - how quickly can we come together, I think that’s the most important thing. We'll see what happens."
Jordan Goodwin (right hamstring tightness) and Ish Wainright (right calf strain) are out against the Pistons. Damion Lee (right knee meniscus) injured himself during a training session last week and is expected to be out for an unknown amount of time.
Welcome back to basketball season, Suns fans. The first of many building blocks for the 2023-24 season has arrived.
