Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia recently made waves with his strong stance against tanking, emphasizing its negative impact on the league. While some might wonder if his views would shift if the Suns were eyeing a top draft pick, it's clear that Phoenix isn't in that position, largely due to their strategic trades involving future draft picks.
Since taking the reins in 2023, Ishbia has been laser-focused on winning. His bold moves, like acquiring Kevin Durant and later Bradley Beal, were all part of a championship pursuit.
Despite those trades not panning out as hoped, his intention to build a competitive team was unmistakable. The Suns weren't paying luxury taxes just for the thrill of it.
After a tough season that ended without even a play-in spot, the Suns made significant changes. They brought in a new head coach and GM, traded Durant, and used the waive-and-stretch provision to move on from Beal. Extending Devin Booker with a two-year, $145 million deal underscored their commitment to staying competitive, not surrendering.
Before the season, Ishbia confidently predicted a "competitive" team that fans could rally behind. Critics scoffed, doubting their potential in a challenging conference.
Yet, the Suns have defied expectations, currently sitting seventh in the conference. They're 10.5 games clear of the No. 11 seed and just two games shy of the No. 6 seed, hinting at a possible playoff berth without the play-in.
This turnaround has been fueled by Booker and a robust supporting cast, including Dillon Brooks, acquired in the Durant trade, and Mark Williams, added during the offseason. Ishbia's summer vision is unfolding, inching closer to his ultimate goal: a championship.
While it's tempting to speculate whether Ishbia's stance would differ if the Suns were in the running for top prospects like Darryn Peterson, Cam Boozer, or AJ Dybantsa, his current actions speak volumes. His commitment to building a winning culture is evident, and the Suns' progress this season is a testament to that vision.