Suns remain irrelevant after release of first batch of NBA games for new season

The NBA finally began ramping up some excitement for the 2026-27 season on Monday, with the release of the Opening Night and Christmas Day fixtures. ESPN then followed up with some big games that will be played throughout the first week, and the Phoenix Suns failed to appear anywhere, which should surprise absolutely nobody.

Suns haven’t been nationally relevant since Kevin Durant left

This is a star-driven league, and the sad reality is that once Kevin Durant (and Bradley Beal) were moved on and their quest for a championship ended, so too did the round the clock coverage of the organization.

Last season’s group making a surprise run to the playoffs was a nice story, and plenty of NBA media members gave the franchise their flowers on their podcasts or in their columns. Yet, the excitement on a national level wasn’t there, and after Devin Booker, the average fan would struggle to name another player on this roster.

Dillon Brooks would likely be number two, but if he is your second most marketable “star” (and he is), then there is only so much national attention you are going to get. That is not to say the Suns won’t be good; they returned most of the same group and are a veteran team of established players who know how to win games. Eclipsing the 45 victories of last season is in play.

It’s just not going to be achieved with the eyes of the entire league watching, but that has always been true of the Suns. A large portion of the fanbase sees it as a badge of honor that they are a relatively small market that has punched above its weight in attracting some big names while having some of the most memorable teams this century.

The wins have been there, all that is missing is a championship.

We might be excited by the prospect of Jordan Goodwin surprisingly starting and the development of Khaman Maluach in year two, but that does not register throughout the league. Which is fine, as this hard-nosed roster that makes life difficult for opponents but doesn't always have the most aesthetically pleasing offensive style can remain a hidden gem in The Valley.

Quiet slide of Booker playing a part in lack of attention

The uncomfortable truth about the Suns not featuring in any big games is the belief that Booker is no longer a top-15 player and a draw. If he were, then it wouldn’t matter how good the Suns were because fans would tune in solely to see him play. 

Time is on his side to change that perception, but his name just doesn’t carry the same weight as the aforementioned Durant, and it shows.

Not that he or the Suns will care, and owner Mat Ishbia has done a wonderful job of ensuring that fans in Phoenix have access to watch their team every night. But if it’s national relevance you were looking for, then you’ve come to the wrong place.

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