15 People who turned their backs on the Phoenix Suns

1. Robert Sarver

The disgraced former owner turned his back on the entire organization, but let’s just focus on the court. When he bought the team in 2004, the Suns had made playoffs 14 times in the last 16 years. His arrival came with Steve Nash and the Seven Seconds of Less era. After that, things quickly hit the fan.

The Suns got to three conference finals and made five playoff trips in his first six years as owner. After 2010, Phoenix did not make the postseason again until 2021. The Suns were a disaster throughout most of Sarver’s tenure. He was ultimately suspended for one year for his actions and eventually sold the team to Mat Ishbia in 2022.

Sarver turned his back on the organization in too many ways to count. Several players were quick to bash the owner and the team’s leadership after leaving the organization. That all makes no mention of the other employees whose stories are much worse. That is all on Robert Sarver.

The Phoenix Suns hope for more stability and success under their current owner. Ishbia made some massive splashes after arriving, including trading for Kevin Durant. Will it lead to more on-court and behind-the-scenes success? Only time will tell.