Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia and GM Brian Gregory expressed optimism about the team's future after exceeding preseason expectations. They outlined plans for improvement following a playoff sweep by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Key points
Mat Ishbia is proud of the Suns' current state
The team exceeded preseason expectations
They were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the playoffs
Plans for improvement are already in place
End-of-season press conference took place on April 30
Mentioned in this story
Mat IshbiaBrian Gregory
Phoenix SunsOklahoma City Thunder
Mat Ishbia had multiple reasons to feel good about the current state of Phoenix Suns.
They exceeded preseason expectations, are optimistic about the future and already have a plan of attack in preparing for next season just three days removed from defending NBA champion Oklahoma City ending their season in a playoff sweep on April 27.
“I’m really proud of where we are and hopefully you realize that although I’m proud of where we are, we have a long way to go to where we’re going,” Ishbia said. “I’ve got the right people and the right vision and the right organization here with me and we’re going to do it together.”
Suns general manager Brian Gregory and Ishbia, the team owner, addressed those topics and more at their end-of-season press conference April 30 at the team’s practice facility.
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia at the end-of-season press conference on April 30, 2026, at Verizon 5G Performance Center in Phoenix.
Phoenix Suns general manager Brian Gregory at the end-of-season press conference on April 30, 2026, at Verizon 5G Performance Center in Phoenix.
Phoenix Suns general manager Brian Gregory at the end-of-season press conference on April 30, 2026, at Verizon 5G Performance Center in Phoenix.
Q&A
What did Mat Ishbia say about the Phoenix Suns' future?
Mat Ishbia expressed pride in the team's current state and emphasized the need for continued improvement and collaboration.
How did the Phoenix Suns perform in the recent NBA season?
The Suns exceeded preseason expectations but were eliminated in a playoff sweep by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
What are the Phoenix Suns' plans for the next season?
The Suns have a plan of attack in place to prepare for the next season, focusing on improvement and leveraging the right organizational vision.
When did the Phoenix Suns hold their end-of-season press conference?
The end-of-season press conference was held on April 30 at the team's practice facility.
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Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia at the end-of-season press conference on April 30, 2026, at Verizon 5G Performance Center in Phoenix.
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia at the end-of-season press conference on April 30, 2026, at Verizon 5G Performance Center in Phoenix.
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia at the end-of-season press conference on April 30, 2026, at Verizon 5G Performance Center in Phoenix.
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia at the end-of-season press conference on April 30, 2026, at Verizon 5G Performance Center in Phoenix.
Phoenix Suns general manager Brian Gregory at the end-of-season press conference on April 30, 2026, at Verizon 5G Performance Center in Phoenix.
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia at the end-of-season press conference on April 30, 2026, at Verizon 5G Performance Center in Phoenix.
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Suns' Mat Ishbia, Brian Gregory at the end-of-season news conference
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia at the end-of-season press conference on April 30, 2026, at Verizon 5G Performance Center in Phoenix.
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Suns' Mat Ishbia, Brian Gregory at the end-of-season news conference
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia at the end-of-season press conference on April 30, 2026, at Verizon 5G Performance Center in Phoenix.
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Suns' Mat Ishbia, Brian Gregory at the end-of-season news conference
Phoenix Suns general manager Brian Gregory at the end-of-season press conference on April 30, 2026, at Verizon 5G Performance Center in Phoenix.
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Suns' Mat Ishbia, Brian Gregory at the end-of-season news conference
Phoenix Suns general manager Brian Gregory at the end-of-season press conference on April 30, 2026, at Verizon 5G Performance Center in Phoenix.
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Suns' Mat Ishbia, Brian Gregory at the end-of-season news conference
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia at the end-of-season press conference on April 30, 2026, at Verizon 5G Performance Center in Phoenix.
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Suns' Mat Ishbia, Brian Gregory at the end-of-season news conference
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia at the end-of-season press conference on April 30, 2026, at Verizon 5G Performance Center in Phoenix.
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Suns' Mat Ishbia, Brian Gregory at the end-of-season news conference
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia at the end-of-season press conference on April 30, 2026, at Verizon 5G Performance Center in Phoenix.
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Suns' Mat Ishbia, Brian Gregory at the end-of-season news conference
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia at the end-of-season press conference on April 30, 2026, at Verizon 5G Performance Center in Phoenix.
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Suns' Mat Ishbia, Brian Gregory at the end-of-season news conference
Phoenix Suns general manager Brian Gregory at the end-of-season press conference on April 30, 2026, at Verizon 5G Performance Center in Phoenix.
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Suns' Mat Ishbia, Brian Gregory at the end-of-season news conference
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia at the end-of-season press conference on April 30, 2026, at Verizon 5G Performance Center in Phoenix.
"The work is never done," Gregory said. "The minute you start thinking, alright, our identity is set, the culture is set, our standards are set, you're in trouble. You have to push and demand and drive every single day, because what does human nature say, 'OK, let's take a little break, we had a pretty good year.' You have to fight human nature every single day."
The Suns are looking to have continuity and player development as their driving force this summer entering next season.
“Our players are going to get better,” Ishbia said. “We have a young, ascending team where in year’s past, we had players that were maybe on the decline. We have players who are getting better and are going to continue to get better and they’re going to be in there. They’ve already committed to the summer. We have a five-month summer we’re starting and we’re going to get better. I love our team. I believe in the team we have.”
This falls in line with what Suns guard Grayson Allen said during the team’s exit interviews when asked about the team changing its roster for next season.
“I like our group,” Allen said. “I think we have a good chance to keep a lot of people together."
At this time last year, the Suns were coming off a 36-46 season that led to trading Kevin Durant, firing Mike Budenholzer as coach and replacing him with then 40-year-old Jordan Ott, buying out Bradley Beal and elevating Gregory to general manager, replacing James Jones.
“A year ago, we talked about building our identity and building Phoenix Suns team built on grit and toughness, unselfishness,” Gregory said. “We said we wanted to build a team the fans can be proud of and our fans could’ve been skeptical, but they believed.”
The Suns responded with a 45-37 season and returned to the playoffs as an eighth seed through the Play-In Tournament after being predicted by many to miss the playoffs and win around 30 or so games.
“They bought into this identity,” Gregory said. “They showed every single day what Suns DNA is all about. They embraced the new culture. They did a phenomenal job in terms of whether it was diving on the floor or their engagement with the fans in the community. They were all, all out, all the time and that’s exactly what we preached to them and talked to them about how important that was and they embraced it.”
Ott had never been a head coach, but the Suns made him their fourth one in four seasons. He not only coached the Suns to a winning record, but the franchise can now move forward with him instead of spending time on another coaching search.
“It’s the foundation,” Suns All-Star Devin Booker said April 27 after losing Game 4 to the Thunder at Mortgage Matchup Center.
“From Day 1, since the hire, he’s come in 100% locked in. We’ve been aligned, we’ve been on the same page and I think this is the first step forward. This is building block to some stability and some chemistry. Something that’s been much needed around here.”
Ott was at the practice facility working and talked with Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein, Ishbia and Gregory for hours Thursday morning.
“He’s consistent in outworking everybody,” Ishbia said. “His mentality is 'I’m going to be the best coach I can be every day and I’m going to get better the next day. '“
The Suns are now looking to build off this season.
Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro (11) defends Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during Game 4 of their playoff series at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 27, 2026.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) lays the ball up against the Phoenix Suns during Game 4 of their playoff series at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 27, 2026.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) shoots the ball over Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) during Game 4 of their playoff series at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 27, 2026.
Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro (11) fights for the ball with Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) during Game 4 of their playoff series at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 27, 2026.
Fans cheer from the stands as the Phoenix Suns take on the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game 4 of their playoff series at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 27, 2026.
Fans cheer from the stands as the Phoenix Suns take on the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game 4 of their playoff series at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 27, 2026.
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks yells out to the referees as they take on the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game 4 of their playoff series at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 27, 2026.
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) is introduced before tipoff against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game 4 of their playoff series at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 27, 2026.
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See Phoenix Suns take on Oklahoma City Thunder in NBA Playoffs Game 4
Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro (11) defends Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during Game 4 of their playoff series at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 27, 2026.
See Phoenix Suns take on Oklahoma City Thunder in NBA Playoffs Game 4
Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro (11) defends Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during Game 4 of their playoff series at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 27, 2026.
See Phoenix Suns take on Oklahoma City Thunder in NBA Playoffs Game 4
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) lays the ball up against the Phoenix Suns during Game 4 of their playoff series at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 27, 2026.
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See Phoenix Suns take on Oklahoma City Thunder in NBA Playoffs Game 4
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) shoots the ball over Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) during Game 4 of their playoff series at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 27, 2026.
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See Phoenix Suns take on Oklahoma City Thunder in NBA Playoffs Game 4
Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro (11) fights for the ball with Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) during Game 4 of their playoff series at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 27, 2026.
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See Phoenix Suns take on Oklahoma City Thunder in NBA Playoffs Game 4
Fans cheer from the stands as the Phoenix Suns take on the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game 4 of their playoff series at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 27, 2026.
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See Phoenix Suns take on Oklahoma City Thunder in NBA Playoffs Game 4
Fans cheer from the stands as the Phoenix Suns take on the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game 4 of their playoff series at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 27, 2026.
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See Phoenix Suns take on Oklahoma City Thunder in NBA Playoffs Game 4
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks yells out to the referees as they take on the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game 4 of their playoff series at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 27, 2026.
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See Phoenix Suns take on Oklahoma City Thunder in NBA Playoffs Game 4
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) is introduced before tipoff against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game 4 of their playoff series at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 27, 2026.
“This is an ongoing process for sure,” Gregory said. “Mat talked about it. Our continuity, our development, our internal development is so critical for us right now and that’s just the players and we’re going to demand the best out of them.”
Gregory said the team veterans will be put on a program geared to push them to work harder than they ever have in hopes they respond with “career-best” years.
“Our young guys, we’re going to drive them so that their development is accelerated,” Gregory added.
Gregory talked about having the players back in the gym in two weeks as opposed to later in the summer as was the case last season when putting the roster together.
“In the offseason during this time, you go back and you start evaluating,” Gregory said. “Is there needs. Are there things we got to get better at? Can we get better internally in those areas? Are there pieces in place that just need to grow, develop, mature, age, whatever the case might be? Is there something we can do coaching-wise that can make that impact?”
Phoenix Suns general manager Brian Gregory at the end-of-season press conference on April 30, 2026.
Phoenix Suns general manager Brian Gregory at the end-of-season press conference on April 30, 2026.
The Suns are preaching continuity and player development, but they’re open to making changes with the roster to address their weaknesses.
Playing small ball more often as the season progressed, Phoenix finished next to last in defensive rebounding in the regular season and playoffs.
“As we’ve talked, one of our points of emphasis is to get much better on the defensive glass because at times, that did hurt us, no doubt about it,’ Gregory said. “Conversely, our ability to offensive rebound many times compensated or even kept us in the plus when it came to that.”
The Suns finished fourth in the regular season in offensive rebounds and tied for seventh with the Portland Trail Blazers in the playoffs out of 16 teams.
“Can you merge the two? I think you can,” Gregory continued. “Can you merge the two with our current roster, I think you can. There’s got to a greater point of emphasis. Do young guys need to get stronger? Do our schemes and systems on defense need to tighten up some as we enter Year 2 of that? All those points are critical for us.”
Phoenix is under the first and second tax aprons entering the offseason.
“Where are the gaps we need to fill?” Gregory said. “You can’t fill them all to the top, but what are the critical ones that we have control over? Does that mean tighten up systems, schemes, or whatever the case might be? Was there one thing that led to the other that if you eliminate the first, now you can get better at the second?
“All those things are done at this time and if it has to be a personnel issue, then we’ll have to address it at that time, but a lot of times, you see dramatic improvement from Year 1 to Year 2 simply because of the understanding and the ability to execute automatically where it comes who we are every single day.”
Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin atdmrankin@gannett.comor contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at@DuaneRankin.
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