Valley Heat Check: A New Center, Immediately Hurt

Reath In, Then Hurt. Duop Reath joined the Suns on September 25, a week after a report said he'd sign. He's day-to-day now. A foot and leg issue, on his right side, is targeted to clear by October 1 — he's sidelined before playing a game in Phoenix.

Camp Roster Keeps Turning. Kennedy Chandler and Phillip Wheeler stuck; John Camden, Sam Hoiberg and Corey Camper did not, all off the roster by September 26. Amir Coffey and Isaiah Livers left the week before that. Ten names moved through the back of the roster in six days, and the top never changed.

Chandler's Case Is Real. Last season Chandler played just 11 games but averaged 15.0 points, 6.7 assists and shot 39.5 percent from three in 32.3 minutes a night. Small sample, but it's the best per-minute stretch anyone on this roster produced, and now he gets a full camp to build on it.

Center Spot Still Open. Mark Williams has not returned since his left shoulder and arm designation on September 11, with the current timeline pointing to February 2027. Phoenix has Oso Ighodaro and Khaman Maluach at center in the meantime, plus now Reath, who arrived hurt himself.

One Number: 24.4. In the final five games of last season, Devin Booker averaged 24.4 points a night for the Suns, hitting 20 or more in four of them, some of that stretch coming off the bench. It's a reminder of what he still produces on short notice.

The Payroll Problem. Phoenix carries a $216.2 million payroll, clearing the $200.4 million luxury tax line by nearly $16 million and sitting above the apron level teams use to protect flexibility. Booker ($57.1M), Green ($36.3M) and Bridges ($22.8M) account for most of it, with nearly every future first-round pick tied up in swaps through 2030.

Next Up: Preseason. The Suns open preseason October 5 at Detroit, then Chicago on October 7, San Antonio at home October 10 on ESPN2, and at San Antonio again October 14, before the regular season begins October 21 at Portland.