The Suns Got Swept and Nobody's Talking About How Far They've Actually Come

Yeah, the Phoenix Suns just got demolished by Oklahoma City in the first round. A clean 4-0 sweep that stings. But here's the thing: if you were paying attention last April, you know this season is actually a massive win for the franchise, not a disaster.

From Wasteland to Playoff Team in One Year

A year ago, the Suns were an absolute mess. They went 36-37, missed the playoffs entirely, and somehow managed to spend a league-record $366 million on a roster that couldn't get out of its own way. They fired three coaches in three seasons, including Mike Budenholzer right before this year started. The front office had zero control over their own future first-round picks thanks to the Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal trades. ESPN's Future Power Rankings had Phoenix dead last. The whole thing looked broken.

Now? They're 45-37 and back in the playoffs. That's not just a bounce-back season, that's a structural turnaround. Owner Mat Ishbia came in talking about building a team with identity, grit, and work ethic. Say what you want about the first-round exit, but the Suns actually proved they could get back to relevance.

What's Next For Phoenix

The offseason is loaded with decisions. The Suns have the 46th pick in June's draft (via Philadelphia), plus a bunch of free agent chess moves to make with guys like Collin Gillespie (Early-Bird rights), Mark Williams (restricted), and Jordan Goodwin (Early-Bird). That payroll situation is still a factor, but at least now they're working from a foundation instead of quicksand.

The sweep hurts. But honestly? For a franchise that was circling the drain twelve months ago, being back in the conversation is already a win.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.