Phoenix Suns 2026-27 media day is in the books. Khaman Maluach was the star of the show, but there were two other players in Luke Kennard and Pat Spencer who looked like they made the right decision to join the organization.
Luke Kennard embracing big role
Kennard was beaming as he spoke with the assembled media for the first time, having been given the green light from the coaching staff to take as many 3-pointers as possible. Assuming they go in at close to a 40 percent clip, everybody will win because the Suns need Kennard's shooting to space the court.
"Ever since I got here, teammates, coaches, everybody, you know: 'Shoot more. Shoot more. And more difficult shots.' I'm excited for that."
The departed Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale took a whopping 15.7 attempts from deep each night last time out, while Kennard managed 3.1 across stints with both the Atlanta Hawks and Los Angeles Lakers, so there is a lot to make up.
Adding Miles Bridges means he will take some of these shots, while Jalen Green has never been shy about getting them up. Still, it will be on Kennard to bridge the gap and become the floor spacer that this group needs to thrive.
Should that happen, his next contract (he is making $6.5 million this year and next in Phoenix) will be bigger, but failing to do so could cost him dearly down the road. The Suns want Kennard to shoot like he never has before, and he is all too happy to oblige.
Pat Spencer has made an impression
Two-way guard Pat Spencer spoke about being attracted to the Suns because of their style of play, and being able to secure him on this kind of contract surprised many when it was announced.
“Really excited about having more of a foundation. Excited from what I saw from afar and one of the reasons I wanted to be here.”
The former Golden State Warrior knows what he has to do in order to gain a bigger role in The Valley, and it is to follow the path created by Collin Gillespie.
The franchise values guards who defend like their life depends on it each night and play with a physical edge. Both skills are things that Spencer possesses in spades. It also helps that he spoke so highly of Maluach and the energy he brings every day, and his ability to develop a two-man game with the center will be crucial in deciding whether he sticks around.
The fit between player and team feels right, and with Jamaree Bouyea in danger of being waived if even one of the training camp invites, Duop Reath or Kennedy Chandler, is signed to a standard deal, Spencer could find himself gaining more time on the court.
This is an ideal start to life for both in The Valley, but training camp will reveal a lot more about their chances of having the kind of impact the front office envisions.
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