The Phoenix Suns took a big step forward in 2025-26 by shattering the preseason expectations set for them, but a major outlet seems to think their success was fool’s gold.
In the latest NBA power rankings cobbled together by ESPN, the Suns check in at No. 21 — a rather substantial drop from the No. 15 slot they held in the previous ranking.
Phoenix Suns tumble down ESPN power rankings
Despite making it into the NBA play-in tournament and fighting their way through the Golden State Warriors to eventually be swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round, Phoenix tumbled down ESPN’s latest power ranking.
Among the teams leapfrogging them this time around were the Miami Heat, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors and Indiana Pacers.
That’s quite the eclectic crop of teams, including division rivals and franchises who are, in theory, set to get a boost next season from added health.
Portland is poised to get back former face of the franchise Damian Lillard, who won the 2026 3-point contest at All-Star Weekend despite still recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Indiana, of course, will see the return of star point guard Tyrese Halliburton, who spent last season recovering from a similar injury.
But the Suns, too, had their own health troubles. Jalen Green played in a career-low 32 games throughout his first season in The Valley. Devin Booker played only 64 games, making him ineligible for end-of-season awards, while important role players like Mark Williams and Grayson Allen missed stretches of time as well.
The Suns don’t appear to be in a position to add big names via trade or free agency this summer, but running it back with a similar roster could lead to similar results — especially if Green and Co. avoid injury woes.
For what it’s worth, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin doesn’t sound down on the Suns despite the slide in the power rankings.
“After going 45-37 in Jordan Ott's maiden voyage on the sideline, the Suns are primed to build on that success next season,” McMenamin writes. “While the West will still be as tough as ever, the Suns figure to be a factor again.”
The key for Phoenix again next year will be besting their division rivals like the Clippers and Warriors. LA retooled with Darius Garland at point guard, and there are rumblings LeBron James could shift from one California team to another by joining fellow Akronite Steph Curry in Golden State.
If nothing else, being underrated and overlooked worked well for the Suns last season. Now, it’s on them to prove year one under head coach Jordan Ott wasn’t a fluke.
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