The Phoenix Suns endured a difficult 2024-25 season, finishing with a disappointing 36-46 record and missing a Play-In tournament spot despite an impressive roster that featured Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker. Addressing the team‘s performance, Suns owner Matt Ishbia accepted full responsibility for the missteps that followed the high-profile acquisition of Durant, signaling a commitment to a fresh, strategic rebuild moving forward.
Ishbia Reflects on Mistaken Assumptions Behind Team Assembly
During a recent interview on NBA Radio’s SiriusXM, Ishbia, also CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage, revealed that his initial approach to improving the Suns fell short due to a lack of a clear vision and team identity from the start. Without naming Durant directly, Ishbia acknowledged that simply adding star power and financial resources wasn’t enough to guarantee success.
The big thing I learned is that you got to start and have the vision and identity day one. I did not do that with the Phoenix Suns,
Ishbia admitted.
I thought, ‘Hey let’s add some money. Let’s get them, they already had a good thing going, let’s uncap some resources, and it will only get better.’ That’s not how it works.
Commitment to Building a Lasting Team Identity in Phoenix
Taking lessons from past mistakes, Ishbia emphasized the necessity of establishing a team identity across all facets of the Suns organization. He highlighted that alignment must extend beyond just players, including the front office, medical staff, and nutrition experts to foster a cohesive culture centered on winning.
We have to set an identity,
Ishbia stated.
We have to define what we’re about here in Phoenix. We have to get those type of players. From the front office, to the medical staff, the dieticians, everybody’s got to have an alignment of what we’re about here in Phoenix.
Taking Ownership and Looking Toward a Patient Rebuild
Distinguishing himself by openly accepting fault, Ishbia took personal accountability for the Suns’ underwhelming season and pledged to correct course with a long-term perspective. He admitted that the turnaround would require patience and time without setting rigid deadlines, focusing instead on building the right foundation.
We didn’t do a good enough job. That’s on me. I’ll take the blame. We’re going to do it the right way here in Phoenix for the long term.
The long term could be a year or two or three or it could ten, but we are going to build it the right way. We got to make our fans proud. No one is going to question whether I care. I promise you that, and no one is going to question whether I spend. I promise you that,
Ishbia said passionately.
Challenges Ahead As Suns Aim to Recover Former Glory
The Suns’ 2021 NBA Finals appearance showed their potential, but adding Durant coincided with a regression rather than progress, deepening concerns about team cohesion and strategy. Despite the uncertain future, Ishbia’s willingness to acknowledge mistakes and articulate a long-term vision stands out in the often politically guarded world of sports ownership.
So far, one positive step in the rebuilding process has been extending Devin Booker’s contract for two more years, ensuring the star guard remains the franchise’s cornerstone through the 2029-2030 season. This move provides Ishbia with a stable foundation to build around as he looks to assemble additional talent.
Implications for the Suns’ Future and Fan Expectations
The Suns now face the task of reshaping their roster and culture under Ishbia’s renewed leadership ethos. While immediate success is unlikely, his promise to rebuild with integrity and a clear identity signals a renewed focus on sustainable growth rather than quick fixes. Fans can expect a methodical effort aimed at restoring Phoenix’s status as a competitive NBA contender over time.
How the organization translates these intentions into results will be closely watched, as Ishbia’s accountability and transparency set a high bar for the team’s commitment to improvement.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Kevin Durant ever scored 50?
A. Kevin Durant has scored 50 or more points in nine different games.