How the Phoenix Suns Are Building a Championship Contender in the NBA

As a longtime NBA analyst who has followed the Phoenix Suns for over a decade, I've got to say—what they're building right now feels special. I remember watching their 48-win 2020 bubble run and thinking, "This team is two pieces away." Fast forward to today, and they’ve not only acquired those pieces but engineered a system that screams championship DNA. Let’s talk about how the Phoenix Suns are building a championship contender in the NBA, because frankly, I haven’t seen roster construction this sharp since the Warriors dynasty began.

When the Suns traded for Chris Paul in November 2020, I initially questioned the fit. A 35-year-old point guard joining a young core? It seemed risky. But Paul’s leadership transformed the team’s offensive execution overnight. The Suns improved their offensive rating from 110.9 in the 2019-20 season to 115.8 in 2020-21, jumping from 14th to 7th in the league. That’s not just a statistical bump—it’s a cultural overhaul. Paul’s presence allowed Devin Booker to focus more on scoring, and the result was a Finals appearance that nobody outside Phoenix saw coming.

But the front office didn’t stop there. They recognized that regular-season success doesn’t always translate to playoff dominance, especially when facing teams with deep benches and versatile defenders. This reminds me of Osaka’s rocky start in its recent title defense—they dropped early matches but adjusted, rose to 2-2, and regained momentum. The Suns took a similar approach after their 2021 Finals loss. They fortified their bench by signing JaVale McGee and landing Landry Shamet, then made the bold move to extend Mikal Bridges, arguably the league’s most versatile wing defender. Bridges averaged 14.2 points per game last season, but his real value lies in locking down opposing stars—something stats don’t always capture.

Let’s not overlook the coaching. Monty Williams has instilled a "0.5-second offense" that prioritizes quick decisions and ball movement. Last season, the Suns ranked 3rd in assists per game at 27.4, a huge leap from 20th just two years prior. I’ve spoken with scouts who say the Suns’ offensive sets are nearly impossible to defend in late-clock situations. Combine that with Deandre Ayton’s growth as a two-way center—he shot a career-high 63.4% from the field last year—and you’ve got a squad built for a seven-game series.

Now, the elephant in the room: the Western Conference is stacked. The Warriors are back, the Grizzlies are rising, and the Clippers will be healthy. But I’m bullish on the Suns because their chemistry is off the charts. They play like they’ve been together for five years, not two. In my opinion, their biggest challenge will be managing Paul’s minutes—he’s 37 now—and finding consistent scoring off the bench. Cam Johnson has been a revelation, but if he slumps in the playoffs, they might need one more shooter.

Looking at teams like Osaka, who rose to 2-2 after a shaky start, it’s clear that resilience matters as much as talent. The Suns have both. They’ve weathered injuries, tough losses, and constant scrutiny, yet they keep improving. With a core of Paul, Booker, Bridges, and Ayton all under contract through at least 2024, Phoenix isn’t just chasing a ring—they’re building a sustainable winner. And if you ask me, that’s how you construct a true championship contender in today’s NBA.