Ishbia, Gregory Stress Continuity as Suns Shift Focus to 2026 Offseason
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PHOENIX — Owner Mat Ishbia and general manager Brian Gregory outlined an offseason built on continuity and development during the Suns’ end-of-season press conference on Thursday.
Phoenix finished the 2025/26 campaign at 45-37, a nine-win jump from last year’s 36-46 record, and reached the playoffs despite preseason projections of 31.5 victories. The club was swept by Oklahoma City in the first round, yet Ishbia described the season as “a building block.”
“Can we win more games? Can we win a playoff series? That’s what we’re going to focus on,” the owner said. “I like the culture we’ve built. We’re not going to do anything silly to mess that up.”
Player development takes center stage
Ishbia called the roster “young” and “ascending,” contrasting it with previous groups that included veterans on the decline. Gregory echoed that view, labeling internal growth “critical” and pledging to “demand the best” from every player.
The GM expressed confidence that Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green will mesh more effectively in 2026/27 after injuries limited their shared minutes this season. “You’re talking about three guys who are driven to become better,” Gregory said. “When you have that baseline, it puts you in a pretty effective spot to move forward.”
Early offseason plan
Gregory said players are expected back in the gym within weeks rather than taking extended breaks. He listed “gaps” in systems and schemes as offseason priorities, adding that personnel moves will be considered only if internal fixes prove insufficient.
The executive praised the roster’s buy-in to the team’s identity of grit, toughness and unselfishness, while noting that maintaining that culture is “an ongoing process.”
Looking ahead
Ishbia commended head coach Jordan Ott for his work ethic and reiterated that the organization remains unsatisfied. “I’m really proud of where we are, and hopefully you realize that although I’m proud, we have a long way to go,” he said. “I’ve got the right people, the right vision and the right organization here with me, and we’re going to do it together.”
The Suns will now turn to the draft, free agency and summer workouts as they attempt to build on a season that surprised much of the league but fell short of the club’s own expectations.
Source: Hoops Rumors
