Phoenix Suns fans share their thoughts on new-look roster
The Phoenix Suns made many changes to their roster in the offseason. Here’s what fans had to say about the new-look team ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Devin Booker is 7,500 miles from home in Macao, China, but he’s still wearing his usual beanie to match his black Suns gear.
The Phoenix Suns‘ all-time leading scorer took questions at a news conference ranging from the importance of the China Games, the trip and his leadership role with the new-look team.
“I came out here six years ago and did ‘Rise Academy’ through Nike. That was actually before I had a signature shoe with Nike,” he said. “Again, get involved with the youth. Being here, letting them feel you. Letting them hear me talk is super important and I know the game of basketball, it touches everywhere in the world, but especially here in China.”
The Suns face the Brooklyn Nets on Oct. 10 at 5 a.m. MST and Sunday, Oct. 12 at 4 a.m. MST at The Venetian Arena in Macao. Both games will be televised on Arizona’s Family (3TV) and NBA TV.
Here is more from Booker’s news conference:
Q: Can you talk about what it means to you as a player and for the league to be playing these games in China?
A: “I think it’s super important. We have a big fan base out here in China. We have Chinese players in the NBA and I think ‘Basketball Without Borders’ is super important, being here on their homeland and letting them see us play in person. I think for the youth and the next generation of Chinese players, getting this experience on their land will just open up their inspiration and make them feel they have a chance.”
Q: The NBA has come to China several times, but it’s been six years, and I wonder if you’re getting any sense of the excitement that the league is back? That there are going to be games here again. Do you get a sense of how big a deal this is, or if it is?
A: “I know it is. Like I said, coming here once before, getting that experience and seeing the reaction. Seeing their faces light up just upon our arrival. It’s super important for us, super important for the league to be here in person and doing this.’
Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker on being “eager” to start this season after missing the playoffs last season: “This past summer was too long for my likening not being in the playoffs. I’m eager to get back to it. I’m excited. Obviously we’ve had some changes with the roster. We’ve… pic.twitter.com/kRxmrDgkcJ
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) October 9, 2025
Q: Your observations on how the reception and the fan base in China have evolved over the years? Do you feel like that has taken a hit when the league was not in the country?
A: From my perspective, it’s always been an extreme amount of love, and me not being here for six years, even seeing that through social platforms. The Twitters and Instagrams of the world. I know for me, myself, I have a tremendous amount of respect for the country of China and they have the same for us.”
Q: How exciting is it to grow the global game and meet international fans versus how much does it disrupt your flow in the preseason as a team?
A: “Honestly, this time around, I haven’t even been jet lagged yet. So the routine is still there. We’re enjoying ourselves. I think it’s also good to get the team away from our normal comfort zone and get on the road together before we start the season. I think it builds a lot of camaraderie and we can start building chemistry. I’m not saying there’s distractions at home, but we’re all here together and it’s good to get experiences outside of basketball together.”
Q: You spent last summer playing in the (Paris) Olympics. Really busy season and year leading up to this. How is it having a full preseason back and getting back into your groove?
A: “That was last summer. This past summer was too long for my likening not being in the playoffs. I’m eager to get back to it. I’m excited. Obviously, we’ve had some changes with the roster. We’ve had some changes with the coaches. So think it’s a big responsibility for me to be a leader and continue being a leader and getting everybody on the same page so we can start this thing off the right way.”
Q: How would you define the new Suns era built around you?
A: “It’s kind of what I just said. I have a big leadership role now that I’m ready to take on and we’re looking forward to it. We had an early camp because we were coming out here and we’ve had one preseason game versus the (Los Angeles Lakers last week in Palm Desert, Calif.) before we came. Everything is hitting on all cylinders right now. We just have to continue to grow. Continue to get better day by day.”
ave opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.
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