​The general consensus seems to be that the Phoenix Suns will take a step back in the upcoming 2026-27 campaign, just months after winning 45 games and earning a playoff spot for the fifth time this decade.The tune tends to be overwhelmingly positive in a world where teams make a jump from sub-.500 into playoff territory within a single calendar year, but it hasn’t been for the Suns – as many analysts and fans remain skeptical as it relates to the overarching direction of the organization.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe rationale behind why Phoenix is due to fall back to earth in the upcoming campaign are typically consistent and sound. The franchise is banking on key rotation pieces such as Mark Williams and Jalen Green to be both available/consistent during the course of 82 games. The addition of Miles Bridges will take time for the team to adapt to in an on-court basis, while the shooting that the franchise departed with in that same trade might come back to haunt them.There is no doubt that losing Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale will have some sort of impact on the Suns – at least to begin the season. Despite those losses, however, GM Brian Gregory has constructed the roster with valuable safeguards (including the recently signed Luke Kennard) – this will in theory provide the team a margin for error early in the campaign.The depth of the roster is yet another reason to project that the Suns won’t only avoid regression, but will manage to improve off of a 45-win campaign. The late-season tail-off was largely due to the depth being tested too much in lieu of injuries to Dillon Brooks, Williams, and others. Now, it appears as if Khaman Mauluach, Koa Peat, and other members of the youth moment will be prepared to handle a call to action at any given moment. The inherent relief that Jordan Ott will feel when working through how to construct the rotation will be invaluable to this team in 2026-27.The last reason why Phoenix will not regress in the upcoming season rests in the competition around the Western Conference. The Suns will receive a litany of games against franchises that will be deemed non-competitive, including the Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks, and New Orleans Pelicans. The Suns excelled at defeating teams that they needed to in 2025-26 – it’s extremely difficult to envision a world in which they fail to repeat this with another year of continuity under the core’s belt.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementJoin The SunsRoundtableHead over to the SunsRoundtable page and hit the “Join” button under the featured story… it’s completely FREE! You’ll have the opportunity to engage with other Suns fans who live and breathe the team, share your thoughts on the organization, and more. If you’re asked to sign up or download the Roundtable app… that’s free too.Kevin Hicks is a contributing writer to SunsRoundtable. He can be reached on X @khicks_21.