The Phoenix Suns are one of the teams to watch as we enter the 2024-25 season, because of the wildly different expectations fans and media members alike have for them. On the one being swept out of the playoffs last season and returning the same core of guys tells us everything we think we need to know about their chances this season.
But on the other, it really seems like the franchise is actually being slept on at this stage, such are the levels of disrespect being thrown their way. This is a team that has Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, an actual point guard in Tyus Jones and the league-leading 3-point shooter in the league last season in Grayson Allen. Which will make their media day fascinating.
But when is it taking place?
The Boston Celtics have already held their own media day, with the Denver Nuggets due to be up next. This is because both of these teams are playing a pair of preseason games in early October in the United Arab Emirates. The Suns beginning their own five-game, preseason slate with the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, October 6th. That old foe again.
Prior to that the organization will host their own media day on Monday, September 30th, with the action getting underway from the Footprint Center in Phoenix at 2pm E.T. Every other franchise outside the Celtics and Nuggets will be hosting their media day on the same date, with the Lakers currently the only other team slated to start at 2pm E.T. Seriously, these two cannot be separated.
There's plenty of developing storylines to keep an eye out for once the Suns' players get in front of a camera, with the role of point guard Jones the most interesting. He has already stated that he believes he is going to start in Phoenix, but that means one of either Beal or Allen are going to have to come off the bench.
Expect all three to be pushed on this early, with the potential for some awkward and vague answers in response. Just as important is how new head coach Mike Budenholzer approaches the media, as he will have had a lot on his plate this summer trying to figure out how to make this work. "Bud" is an Arizona native and great with the media, but he could be asked difficult questions early here.
Damion Lee was absent from this event last season - the only player not to attend - as he was recovering from a meniscus injury that required surgery and cost him all of the 2023-23 season. Lee is popular with his teammates and the fanbase, so getting to hear from him and where he thinks he fits in with the players on this roster will be cool.
Don't forget about Damion Lee... (✍️ @LucaLockheart)https://t.co/mCt1mQUyv3
— Valley of the Suns (@ValleyoftheSuns) September 17, 2024
Another new element will be the pair of rookies in Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro - it is unclear if the undrafted Jalen Bridges will be present at this stage - and how they fit into all of this. The Suns are trying to win a championship and are veteran heavy, but these two should provide a fresh perspective when they're asked about their goals for this season and their careers in general.
Bol Bol is back in The Valley - possibly the most beloved individual of all - and so the vibes will be high anytime he enters a room. On the other end of the spectrum is Monte Morris - signed this offseason prior to Jones - and who may no longer have a consistent role when this roster is fully healthy.
It says a lot that the star trio of Booker, Durant and Beal - plus starting center Nurkic - aren't expected to say anything too controversial or ruffle any feathers. They're back for their second season together and know they have to show serious improvement. Owner Mat Ishbia though? Who knows what that guy is going to proclaim, and that alone is reason enough not to miss this.