Phoenix Suns majority owner Mat Ishbia acknowledged on August 22 that his first seasons in charge included missteps and a lack of clear direction, but said the franchise now has a defined culture and a long-term plan to contend for an NBA title.
Speaking on Arizona Sports’ “Burns and Gambo” program, Ishbia noted he is already on his fourth head coach in four years and has moved on from several high-profile veterans since purchasing controlling interest in February 2023.
Defining a New Roster Identity
“We have young players that are ascending instead of players that are descending,” Ishbia said. “We have players that want to be here, that are bought into the Phoenix Suns culture.”
His comments appeared to reference the recent departures of former All-Stars Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Neither remains on the roster, while Phoenix reaffirmed its commitment to homegrown star Devin Booker this summer with a two-year extension worth up to $145 million.
Full Buy-In Across the Organization
Ishbia said every level of the franchise now shares the same objectives. “There is not a player on the team that does not understand what we’re about. There’s not a coach, there’s not anyone in the front office that does not understand that it’s for the fans, and we’re gonna develop a team that they’re gonna be proud of year in and year out.”
Championship Timeline Adjusted
The owner expects steady progress rather than an immediate title run. “Over the next couple years, you’re gonna see us follow that same Phoenix Mercury path to be competing for a championship, playing hard,” he said.
Ishbia admitted he initially believed the Suns were “on third base” and close to a championship when he took over. “Now, I’ve set a vision,” he added. “I’ve said, ‘Hey, I know what kind of guys I want, we ain’t trading for guys who aren’t like this.’ Do I expect it to take a couple years to get to the point where you’re like, ‘Wow, I see the vision’? Yes.”
The Suns enter the 2025-26 season with a younger core, a freshly defined culture, and an owner willing to accept responsibility for earlier miscalculations as the franchise chases its first NBA championship.
Source: Hoops Rumors
