Phoenix Suns Preseason Special | All things Suns Hoops Heading into the 2025-26 Season

Phoenix Suns Preseason Special | All things Suns Hoops Heading into the 2025-26 Season

Fusion of youth and talent. I think the fans are going to be very excited about the fug. The suns are ready to rise again. Rollies in them. I still think a bust down fly though. I bought it plain on the side is never dry though. It barely rains. I be looking at the flames like we can do some things. Burn baby. DJ table turns. [Music] It’s a small sample size, but already a big first impression by these new look Suns. Hey everyone, Tom Leander here at the newly named Mortgage Matchup Center. And for new Suns general manager Brian Gregory, his first order of business was hiring a head coach. and he may have found a gem. So, at this time, I’d like to have everybody give a warm welcome to the new head coach of the Phoenix Suns, Jordan Knot. You know, he’s done a great job so far. I think the real impact is, you know, the way he thinks about basketball and and his his mindset along with his work ethic is going to be different than what we’ve had here before in the NBA. That’s the window. You got to give it to him. You got to get it to him with some force. If not, he’s in a bad closeout. You got to prove it to them. And I hope, you know, they’ve even felt it early um this summer. What the gym feels like, the energy in the building. That’s intentional. Substance is what dominates the locker room nowadays. And guys know if you have it or if you don’t have it. She has a mindset. There’s always work to do. You know, keep up with the game, you know, keep up how the game is changing every couple years. It only takes one conversation with him to realize he has a incredibly smart basketball mind. Um, and he has a very clear vision for the team and how he wants us to play offensively and defensively. Also, take a look, Colin. If you can kick it ahead or skip across, take a look. Now, you got it. And now it may be just advanced. An amazing human being, uh, offensive wizard. He’s all about, you know, giving us the best chance to win. He’s very detailed. He’s he when he tells you what he wants you to do, he backs it up with a why. and him just putting guys in positions to succeed. Whether it’s top guy, last guy, I think he just able to connect with players and just being able to relate. Players know if you’re disconnected in different parts of the building. So, it’s bringing all of us to create an environment to where these guys know that we care about them and then proving it to them every day that this is the place that can best develop them as a basketball player. You know, me and him locked in and, you know, he’s been saying to him and tell me what he needs from me this year and um I think it’s going to be good. I think we’re on the same page and I think we want to win games. It’s going to be a good season. He has a unique ability um to be able to collaborate but clearly still be in charge. He’s very clear and concise with his coaching. Um so I think you know he’s going to help us tremendously this year. Jordan just stood out above the rest and uh we’re excited to see how he does. There’s no doubt Jordan not has already stood out in his first few months on the job. His work ethic and enthusiasm have been contagious with this new group of guys. Amongst that group are two key players from Houston that the Suns received in exchange for 15 time all-star Kevin Durant. High-flying Jaylen Green and three indeed tough guy Dylan Brooks. Both were a little surprised about their summer trade, but are now happy to be settling in to their new home. At first, I was shocked, but once once I got to talk to everyone in the front office, you know, they were excited to have me and excited for me to be here. Honestly, my first reaction, I was like happy to where, you know, I can rebuild, you know, myself and a team and, you know, showcase, you know, who I am, you know, as a basketball player, as a human being. You know, off the court, he’s so nice. Um, and he’s just and he’s very he’s very open. He can talk to you, but once he sets between those lines, he’s a different animal. Stay out your feet, young. He’s fiery. I mean, he doesn’t it doesn’t turn off with him. When he’s on the court, that’s who he is. Makes our job easier. You know, it’s as coaches going to go out there and compete in a drill. We don’t have to say much. Dylan’s going to lead us. He wants me to be me. Um, be the energy, be the driving force on the defensive end. [Music] He’s going to bring that defensive mentality, that dog mentality, and I think uh it’s going to be great. And Jaylen just, you know, brings that kind of like coolness to him, I’ll say. Like he’s always he’s always be the same Jaylen, you know, competes hard, works hard, and, you know, is always going to be aggressive. Jaylen Green is 23 years old. averaged 20 points a game last year for the number two seed in the West. I think his speed is a needed um on every roster right now in today’s league. If I’m able to, you know, be with my teammate, my brother every single day, you know, I’m going to go out and, you know, defend him and, you know, do the necessary things I need to do to get wins. He knows what I play with. I take his advice and I I listen to him. That’s what I wanted to tell you every single time. Like you see like we get into the elbow, we get about to get in pick and roll like just start moving. Me and DB got a you know iron shire type of relationship. Um you know we’re competing in practice. Yep. That’s easy way. Know where you’re going. Easy way. Know where you’re going. Easy. Know where you’re going. You know. I think him just coming here with me was was helpful for like my confidence and stuff like that. Two threats. Um I think that’s important. And I think all five guys on the court have to be threats and you know I’m communicating that to everybody. I like what I see so far. It’s always a good sign when Devin Booker likes what he sees from his team. Book has been a fixture here in the valley for over a decade. He is the face of the franchise and there is no question that this is Book’s team. Deon’s had his whole career here. He’s the all-time leading scoreer in Phoenix and he means so much to the community and the basketball team. I think Book, you know, is um everything you want in this organization. So, his uh his loyalty to the group is felt every day. New roster, new situation, and you know, I think it’s my job to communicate to the guys, you know, how important it is to the city and that, you know, this is a basketball town and, you know, we have business to handle. That’s the franchise guy who’s around. You know, he’s fully bought into the city of Phoenix. I think for him to just be so invested in himself and us, you know, his teammates, the staff, front office, trying to make the best version of the Suns he can. That’s our job to prove it to him to not only have a relationship with him, but the relationship has to entail that we can help him. One thing that really is driving him right now is the the additional responsibilities he’s going to have in that leadership role. I’m load. It’s you. I on the drive. his voice is going to be even more important this year and especially with how young our team is this year. He’ll be more empowered to lead and I think that he does that naturally and he brings people together. Work on three. 1 2 3. Building that camaraderie like we’re we’re brand new and we’re we all know we know each other right now. So get to know somebody and work on and work on our game and see how people like to play. He’s an incredible basketball mind. He’s very thoughtful. He’s very, very stoic. Duke. Oh, that look good. That look good. I’m 29. He’s 28. And we’re two of the oldest guys on the team. Everybody’s head’s in the right place. And a lot of guys are asking, you know, the right questions. I didn’t look at myself as, you know, old hitter. They say unk status now. But, you know, we have a lot of guys 23 and younger on this team. So, it it changed quick. in order to win a championship or compete for a champion. You have to have a franchise player, a top 10, top 15 player in the NBA. And that’s what Devin Booker is. And I’m excited for him to take a step this year as a leader, as a player, and uh we’re just very lucky that he wants to be here in the time of his career, and we’re going to do some great things for years to come. Yeah. I said unfinished business here, you know, coming so close in 2021 and knowing what that would have meant for this city and this organization, you know, is something I’m not going to let go of until I get it. Book is laser focused and determined to eventually give Suns fans the ultimate prize. When we come back, Book’s newest backcourt running mate, Jaylen Green, gives us an all access pass to his first media day in Phoenix. We going to handle business this year. I always believe in like bringing players back and getting, you know, we have a lot of former players come back and be around. It helps, you know, that’s the culture and identity we want to have. I think that was a great move on Matt’s part. Um, I have great respect for for Steve. He’s part of us. You know, he wants us to succeed most importantly as the players. You know, they they’re incredible resource. He’s been through it. He’s been in the locker rooms. He’s seen the highs and lows. Just having his presence around the gym every day, even if he’s not saying anything to you. You know, you know, two time is in the building. And, you know, it just it it raises the level of competition. Um the level of focus when he walks in the gym, everyone stops and talks to him and like he gives him ideas and thoughts. And so, I’m really excited that Steve’s going to make an impact on our organization in a positive way and very lucky that he wanted to be part of it. It’s great for the organization because Steve is one of my favorite players and one of my favorite people of all time. And to be back with the organization is a bonus for the Suns. To be, you know, one of the best sons ever in our building just be a helping hand. It’s pretty special. There’s no question having MV Steve back will be invaluable for firsttime head coach Jordan not and his young and hungry sons team. And the hungriest of them all just might be Jaylen Green, who’s made it very clear that he has a chip on his shoulder after being traded by the Rockets. Here’s the uber athletic and personable New Suns guard miked up at media day. What’s up, Suns fans? This Jaylen Green here for my first Phoenix Suns media day. Let’s get it. I need this hat. Yeah. Yeah. I like it. I love this new purple, man. Swagging. What’s up, baby? You see the purple, man? Yes, sir. How you doing? What’s up? Nice to meet you. Nice to meet you. I’m good. Take good pictures. You, too, man. [Music] I like the photos. I like how they look after, especially with like the dribbling. Uh, the one they just posted right now with the dark dark lights. They come back. What’s up, baby? You good? National TV. What are your hopes for to get to the playoffs? Affirmation. Maybe you feel good about it. Your efforts will soon boom into success you’ve been working towards. That’s amazing. Almost cussed, but that’s awesome. I love that. It go back a while, huh? Yeah. I mean, you know, the Suns is a historic historic team, a lot of history behind them. Um, so to be able to come here and be a part of this and continue the history, it’s a great feeling. Oh, it’s our internal broadcast. Amanda Fug. She’ll ask you a couple questions, go from there. Okay. Hi, I’m Amanda. Nice to meet you. Nice to meet you. What was your initial reaction when you got the news that you had been traded to the Suns? Um, at first I was shocked. Last year I had the opportunity to, you know, make it to the playoffs. No, baby. Yeah. You good? You good? 3 4 3 4 3 4 is cold. Iron sharp as iron. Like he’s telling me when cuz he knows what I’m capable of and I you know I think I take his advice. Nice to meet you. Yeah. Good to see you again, man. How you doing? Thanks for coming on. Yes, sir. What’s up y’all? It’s Dylan Green and I’m with the Phoenix Suns. catch us at the NBA China games at the Venetian Arena in Macau for two games against Brooklyn Nets. You did a great job. That was awesome. That was fun. Hope you had some fun. I did. Thank you, bro. Great job. Hi, B. You good? No. Yeah, I think it’s lit. Um, you know, I think we going to have a a good year. I think we going to compliment each other. Um, we going to shock a lot of people. What’s her name? Light. Light. Like I mean this whole upper like her you’re like a little girl daddy. She’s a she’s a tourist. This is her birth flower. It’s her name. I got baby girl right here. And then her footprints are back here. I started doing like two nails at a time and then she became five. Now I’m doing all the nails and it just became part of my swag. Nice to meet you. Happy you’re here. Thank you. Perfect. Thank you. Good for it, huh? [Music] Your dedication will light the way for your future success. Everything is about success. Is this all success? Right here on Arizona’s Family 3. Just putting a jersey on felt good though, you know, especially having my number. That felt amazing. Might be taller than both of y’all. You know, Book been here for 11 years. That’s that’s an amazing thing. So, shout out to him. And, you know, I’m glad I could be a part of You know, his history good getting together with guys during the off season and building that early on cuz you about to go get ready to go to war with each other. Jaylen, welcome to Phoenix. I appreciate it. Tell us a little bit about your teammate Dylan. I picked up a lot of good habits from him over the years and just that mentality. [Music] Yeah, I’m about to be done. I got like three more spots. Favorite part of the day? I think still the pictures. I still just like I like the pictures how they come out. Obviously me and the you know the reporters out here that’s cool too and the interviews are cool but always the pictures smile bro. Is it nerve-wracking or you just a natural? Uh I would say I would say years of experience and a little bit of natural. What’s up bro? How you doing? Good. Yes sir. That was cool. The lights and everything. um just a walking through just you in that big old arena. But um I think it’s going to be cool. I think the intro is going to look fire. Thank you. I’m too sure. And we’re done. Yeah. Okay, cool. Thank god. Media day in the books at the Phoenix Sun. That’s a wrap. Jaylen sure looks good in that Purple Suns jersey. Another newcomer to the Valley is big man Mark Williams who got the news he was coming to Phoenix on one of the biggest days of the NBA calendar. It was draft night. Um I was at home um and then my agent called me, you know, telling me you’re probably getting dreaded and then a little bit later I found out I was going to Phoenix. So um I was really excited when I got the news. Obviously I mean it feels that we just we weren’t even apart. I mean our friendship hasn’t gone anywhere. Uh we’re still close no matter what. We were competing with each other in Charlotte and I think it’s going to be the same while we’re here. Yeah, definitely a little dual appreciation. Obviously, the change of scenery is always great. He will bring um the same things that he brought to Charlotte, you know, great rebounder, great rim runner. Um great guy that finishes around the rim, you know, has really good hands, great teammate. Honestly, you know, he leads leads with his voice and his um his play on the court. It’s a new identity, new staff, new front office, new everything really. So, just um trying to, you know, prove everybody wrong, have a great year, and uh just compete every single night. From a draft night trade to draft night magic, the Suns war room was busy making moves to land three key rookies in this year’s draft. Coming up, more on Phoenix’s talented rookie trio. Come on. Mash South Sudan and Duke University. Draft night was surreal. U draft night felt different. It’s a different emotion. uh lot of weight off your shoulder and it was just a blessing and a very fun night and it’s unforgettable too. It was a great feeling for me and my family. Uh like I couldn’t ask for anything better. Like I’m in the NBA with a great team, a team that wanted me. Uh it means everything you know just to know that this is a place where you know they took a chance on me and I know how they feel about me. So it makes me feel really good, makes me feel confident and I’m just excited to go out there and you know give my all. they are now surrounded by guys that on a daily basis are doing things the right way. I’m going to bring a lot of energy to the team. Um I’m going to bring a lot of positivity and they’ll see that on the floor. Immense effort. I’m going to play hard every night um on both ends of the floor. Just want to continue to show first off that um you know it translates in my shooting from college to the NBA. You know it’s something that is going to continue to be there and also just continue to work on the things that I haven’t been as good at. So they’re in a incubator that shows them every day what it looks like to become great in this league. Greatness is definitely earned in the NBA. In order to get to that point, you have to build a solid foundation. And the New Look Suns are committed to constructing a team this city and state can be proud of. We wanted a team that resembles the valley, that has a grit and toughness to it, that competes every single night, that loves cheering for their teammates, that puts a smile on people’s faces. The idea of, you know, being this hardnosed, grinded team that, you know, every single night is not going to be a cakewalk. There’s going to be games this year where we have to win the game just by being tougher and playing harder. And um I think that’s going to be a little bit of a new identity for us, but we have the group for it. We’re intentional with what we’re teaching. Our style of play will reveal itself and that will be the identity that all of us want. The fans will be proud of. Um but we have a lot of steps to get there. It’s not going to be, oh, we can just do whatever we want. It’s going to be a hard noise atmosphere when we play the Phoenix Suns. Dylan’s a dog. So, um, from the first day he got on the court, like you can see his demeanor just switch. We’re here. Get up. Get up. That fire is it’s always there for him. It doesn’t matter if it’s end of a 13-day road trip and you got a back to back at the end and he’s exhausted. He’s bringing that fire onto the court. And I think that’s big. And to have a couple guys like that on our team who can bring that fire, spark, competitiveness, whatever it is, when you need it and it’s it’s huge. the competitiveness, the energy, and the attention to detail. Um, that’s been my whole thing since Memphis. He’ll be great with us as coaches, like what he sees, what he feels. I think it’s really important for all of us to tap into Dylan on a on a day-to-day basis of exactly what the pulse of our team is. The fans going to have a a lot to cheer for this year. There’s going to be a lot of emotions out there. Suns fans already like what they see from coach’s squad. And judging by what a typical day looks like at 5G, there is no questioning the work ethic of the Sun’s new head coach. When we come back, a day in the life with Jordan. It’s a big deal, you know, um, being able to be the first NBA teams over there in years. We wanted to go to China. Basketball is a global game. There are so many fans there and you can talk about it all you want, but to actually be there and people see our team and see them playing there is going to do amazing things for our business and basketball. Their energy um, it’s not like America. They’re in it right away. um they’re happy to see players that they don’t ever see, you know, every single day. And um it’s my first time in China and I can’t wait to leave Mark. I’m excited just to play in front of it. You know, I think the fans will be excited for it for playing in a different country. Basketball has taken me around the world. So, it’s a great opportunity to travel. There’s so many more fans than you would think and they love basketball and they’re looking for teams and players to support. So, I’m glad we get to go out there and give them give them some entertainment. We want to grow the game and grow our brand and uh I think China will be a great opportunity for all of us. The stars shined in Macau and the Suns brand got a global boost from the popularity of fan favorite Devon Booker and his Far East doppelganger China Book without a doubt making this trip a worthwhile endeavor. Meanwhile, back home in Arizona, it was time to get back to the grind and spend the day with Coach Jordan at 5G. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] You don’t know if it’s going to be catch and shoot here. They could have drawn something up for catch and shoot. Are we okay with the best player taking the last shot or do you get it out of his hand? They’re here every day thinking of things that may happen. They just have to continue to bring me ideas, bring me topics. We’re trying to find solutions ahead of time. Um, which then motivates them to go find more situations for us to continue to talk about. Yeah. I would tell them to like lead it out there. Let them go get it. You got to talk about this in that huddle. Hey, last thing. Great. Last thing. Great. Crash. Crash. Get on there and crash. The fourth quarter at the end of the game. We still want to get that if we’re down. just put me in a simulator basically of end of game situations with a couple of our staff members just to try to get some reps before the actual game. Um, we’ve done it a couple different ways. Gone through some Phoenix situations. Um, also those guys testing me. What will you do? What are we going to think about doing? We’re going to zip you up, Colin. You got to get them open though. Sprint out. Sprint out. See if they switch. Shoot that pocket. [Music] Let’s go home. Let’s go home. Say hello. Then our idea is to bring it to the team, have a discussion, have a solution knowing that it’s tough and the game to get it perfect, but at least we’ve addressed some of them before the game actually happens. You’ve seen this a million times. Just an area screen. Nick, you got to get them open. Camera crew, y’all. Just a heads up. Where’s DC? Hey. Hey. Hey. Camera crew. Hey. What we got here? [Laughter] As we started to build the staff, kind of stuck to high character guys that care a lot about their jobs. And we got it. Oh, we got an agenda today. Try to get back on this agenda as best we can. See how open the paint is. And five man’s nowhere close to getting involved in the drag and X5 is lifted above the three-point line. It’s almost like a different version of a cut. They’re coming up and he just cuts right to the dots. Book comes off right hand, throws it back behind the fiveman. Try to get the fiveman to see him. I think there’s something to it. We’re closing out square in the corner. It’s below the break. We’re not giving up baseline. We’re not giving up middle. They should feel empowered to speak. But also, if we do speak, it’s something they believe in or they’ve seen or they’ve done the research. And I know that’s coming from a good place. If you’re behind the play, if I go like this, I’m the defender. You’re there. If I open my feet, he’s already got the advantage. Let him go play and you’re getting out. We’re trying to build the freedom to speak when you have something to say. And we’re all in it together to collaborate on every subject possible. Good. All the way. Yep. Hello, man. Good also. A lot of people, a lot of voices, but we all want them to be heard and I got to manage that myself, which is a new role. Yeah, we’re we got a good staff. I want to keep it going. That’s it. Appreciate it, guys. [Applause] Good work. Play fast. Outlet guy, take that look. Kick. Kick ahead. Skip across. We’ll make a right play. Here you go. Together. Three. 1 2 3. Together. We’d really like to thank Coach Aught for opening his doors to our crew and giving all of us all access into his world. He’ll make his regular season head coaching debut when the Suns host the Sacramento Kings right here at Mortgage Matchup Center. It’s the Coca-Cola Fries tip off and home opener. Catch the Suns all season long on Arizona’s Family Sports and 3TV. For producer Mark Goldberg, editor Tommy Arweis, videographer David Grappentine, and our entire crew. Thanks for watching and we’ll see you this season. [Music] [Music]

Now live is the Phoenix Suns preseason special with several segments and storylines that you need to know heading into the 2025-26 season! This special is guaranteed to keep you hooked the entire time with segments like Jalen Green mic’d up on media day, a detailed account of this being Devin Booker’s team, the relationship between Mark Williams and Nick Richards, a day in the life of Head Coach Jordan Ott, Steve Nash joining the organization, the rookie trio, China trip, and more! With interviews and bites from players, owner Mat Ishbia, and Suns legends like Charles Barkley, Jerry Colengelo, and more, this special will keep you glued to your screen for the whole time.

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