The writers who cover Phoenix are arguing about a broken defense, who should play center and how much help Devin Booker is getting. Most of those arguments hold up against the numbers, but the trade idea runs into the payroll.
Defense comes first. Bright Side of the Sun called the defense disconnected, and Valley of the Suns said its porous play sets off early alarm bells. The ratings back both outlets. Phoenix allows 124.5 points per 100 possessions and scores 111.6, a net of -12.9, over a 1-2 start that includes an 83-124 loss in Portland.
Scheme or everybody. Valley of the Suns argued the team is failing Booker and that it starts with the scheme. Bright Side of the Sun countered that the Suns are failing together. The shooting favors the second view: Booker is at 22.2 percent from three, Bridges at 20.0 and Collin Gillespie at 23.8.
The Booker file. The Athletic framed Booker, who it says is turning 30, as entering a defining chapter. Bright Side of the Sun's recap of the Oklahoma City loss said he went missing. He averages 23.0 points and 5.3 assists, but 43 of his points came in one game, against Golden State on October 24.
Who plays center. Bright Side of the Sun wrote that Oso Ighodaro's absence exposes problems at both ends. Valley of the Suns pitched Ryan Dunn as a small-ball center and faulted Jordan Ott for trying Bridges at center against the Thunder. Ighodaro has an oblique injury and a target date of October 30. Mark Williams is not due back until February 3.
Maluach takes notes. The same outlet said Isaiah Hartenstein gave Khaman Maluach a masterclass. The 20-year-old is averaging 7.7 points and 7.3 rebounds in 23.4 minutes, which is solid production for his age. With Williams sidelined, he and Duop Reath are the only true centers on the roster who are available.
Point guard debate. Luke Duffy of Valley of the Suns argued that a real point guard could get more out of Booker, and in a separate piece that starting Gillespie is not the quick fix. Gillespie is second on the team with 4.3 assists in 24.2 minutes, but at 23.8 percent from three, the doubts are fair.
Thunder trade talk. That outlet also pitched the injury-hit Thunder as a trade partner. The cap sheet makes that hard. Payroll is $213.8M, above the first apron and the $200.4M tax line. The 2027 first-round pick belongs to Houston, and only swaps remain in 2028 through 2030. The idea is an argument, not a report of talks.
Why is the Suns defense so bad this season?
Phoenix is allowing 124.5 points per 100 possessions for a -12.9 net rating. Local outlets blame the scheme and Oso Ighodaro's absence at center.
When will Mark Williams return for the Suns?
Williams has a left shoulder injury and is projected to return February 3, 2027.
