22
Oct
5 min read
Phoenix Suns NBA Profile: Five things you need to know
Suns have winningest record without an NBA Championship
- Exciting up-tempo offense
- Perennial playoff contenders in the 1990s and 2000s
- Still seeking first NBA championship
The Phoenix Suns are one of the NBA's most consistently successful franchises, known for their fast-paced style of play and passionate fan base in the desert Southwest. Though they have yet to win an NBA title, the Suns have been a model of consistency with the 5th highest all-time winning percentage in league history.
Key Details
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Year Founded: 1968
Home Arena: Footprint Center
Championships: 0
Major Rivals: Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs
Australians who have played for the Phoenix Suns
Jock Landale: Born in Melbourne, Victoria, Landale joined the Suns in 2022 after a trade from the Atlanta Hawks. He played as a backup centre, providing valuable minutes off the bench with his high work rate on both ends of the floor. Landale's tenure with the Suns lasted until 2023.
Luc Longley: Hailing from Melbourne, Victoria, Longley was traded to the Suns in 1999 after winning three NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. He played for Phoenix from 1999 to 2000, appearing in 62 games and averaging 6.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. Longley was known for his size and defensive presence in the paint.
Identity
Team Philosophy: The Suns have long been associated with an up-tempo, offensive-minded style of basketball. From the "Seven Seconds or Less" era under coach Mike D'Antoni to today's high-scoring attack led by Devin Booker, Phoenix aims to outrun and outscore opponents.
Playing Style
Fast-paced offense focused on quick shots, three-pointers, and pushing the ball in transition. Defensively, the Suns look to create turnovers to fuel their fast break.
Club Culture
The Suns have cultivated a fun, energetic atmosphere both on and off the court. The team embraces its desert identity and has one of the NBA's most popular mascots in "The Gorilla."
Greatest Eras
- 1976 NBA Finals run led by Paul Westphal and Alvan Adams
- Charles Barkley era of the early 1990s, including 1993 NBA Finals appearance
- Steve Nash's MVP seasons and "Seven Seconds or Less" offense in the mid-2000s
- Current core of Devin Booker, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton reaching 2021 NBA Finals
Famous Teams: The 1992-93 Suns that reached the NBA Finals, the record-setting 2004-05 team that won 62 games, the 2021 Western Conference champions
Key Figures: Charles Barkley; Steve Nash; Kevin Johnson; Tom Chambers; Amar'e Stoudemire; Devin Booker; and Kevin Durant
Five Fast Facts
- The Suns have the highest winning percentage of any NBA team to have never won a championship
- Phoenix was one of two expansion teams added in 1968 along with the Milwaukee Bucks
- Charles Barkley won the 1993 NBA MVP award in his first season with the Suns
- Steve Nash won back-to-back MVP awards with Phoenix in 2005 and 2006
- The team's mascot "The Gorilla" originated from an impromptu performance by a singing telegram messenger in 1980
Club Timeline
1968: Franchise founded as NBA expansion team
1976: Reach first NBA Finals, losing to Boston Celtics
1988: Acquire Kevin Johnson and Tom Chambers, beginning era of contention
1992: Trade for Charles Barkley, win franchise-record 62 games
1993: Reach NBA Finals, fall to Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls
2004: Sign Steve Nash, begin "Seven Seconds or Less" era
2005: Nash wins first of back-to-back MVP awards
2021: Reach NBA Finals for first time since 1993, lose to Milwaukee Bucks
Key Statistics
All-Time Record: 2,347-2,037 (.535 winning percentage)
Championship History: 0 NBA Championships, 3 Western Conference titles (1976, 1993, 2021)
Hall of Fame Players: 11 (including Charles Barkley, Steve Nash)
Retired Numbers: 6 (5, 6, 7, 33, 42, 44)
Notable Records: Most wins in a season: 62 (1992–93, 2004–05)
Today
The Suns remain one of the NBA's most exciting teams, led by the dynamic backcourt of Devin Booker and Chris Paul. After reaching the NBA Finals in 2021, Phoenix has established itself as a perennial contender in the Western Conference. The addition of Kevin Durant in 2023 has raised expectations even higher as the franchise continues its quest for its first NBA championship.
Under new owner Mat Ishbia, the Suns have shown a willingness to be aggressive in pursuing star talent. The team's core of Booker, Durant, and Bradley Beal gives Phoenix one of the most potent offenses in the league. However, questions remain about the team's depth and defensive capabilities.
As the Suns enter a new era, they will look to balance their high-powered offense with improved defense and rebounding. If they can find that balance, Phoenix has the star power and experience to once again be a serious title contender in the competitive Western Conference.
