Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia didn’t hold back his feelings after the team’s disappointing 2024-25 season. In a press conference, Ishbia described the season as ’embarrassing’ and promised significant changes are on the horizon. This marks the Suns’ first losing season since 2019-20, a stark contrast to the high expectations surrounding the team. Ishbia’s candid assessment highlights the urgency for a new direction, focusing on establishing a clear identity and a winning culture. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see what these changes entail and how they will impact the team’s future performance.
The Phoenix Suns’ recent struggles have prompted owner Mat Ishbia to take decisive action. After a season he openly labeled as ’embarrassing,’ Ishbia is determined to reshape the team’s identity and performance. This commitment to change includes evaluating coaching staff, player dynamics, and the overall team philosophy. The goal is to create a resilient, competitive team that embodies the spirit of Phoenix. With a focus on grit, determination, and a strong work ethic, Ishbia aims to restore the Suns to their former glory and build a sustainable foundation for long-term success. This article dives into Ishbia’s plans and the potential impact on the Phoenix Suns.
Ishbia ‘Embarrassed’ by Losing Season
Mat Ishbia didn’t mince words when addressing the Suns’ performance. He used terms like ‘disappointing’ and ‘awful’ to describe the season, emphasizing that the entire organization, from players to executives, shared in the disappointment. This level of accountability from the owner sets a clear expectation for improvement.
In his statement, Ishbia said, ‘Embarrassing. Disappointing. Awful. I watch every game like all of you guys do. No one is proud of it. Nobody is happy with it, from me to the front office to the coaches to the players to the marketing executives to the security guards. Everyone is disappointed, embarrassed, and it was a failure. We struggled. We didn’t do a good enough job.’ This quote encapsulates the overall sentiment of the organization and its commitment to turning things around.
The Suns finished the season with a 36-46 record, missing the playoffs for the first time in several years. This outcome was particularly frustrating given the high expectations set at the beginning of the season with the acquisition of key players.
‘Change Is Coming’: Ishbia Promises Action
Ishbia made it clear that changes were imminent, starting with the firing of head coach Mike Budenholzer after just one season. This decision signals a significant shift in direction and a willingness to make tough choices to improve the team’s prospects.
Ishbia stated, ‘As the owner, my job is to make those changes.’ This proactive approach demonstrates his commitment to reshaping the team and ensuring it aligns with his vision for success.
Bradley Beal had also anticipated changes, stating, ‘I know Mat is probably going to make some changes, but I enjoyed this group.’ This acknowledgment from a key player suggests an understanding of the need for adjustments and a willingness to adapt to the new direction.
Establishing a Team Identity
One of the primary goals for Ishbia is to establish a clear team identity. He envisions a team that embodies the spirit of Phoenix, characterized by grit, determination, a strong work ethic, and a sense of joy. This identity will guide the team’s decisions and shape its culture.
Ishbia explained, ‘I want to put a team out there on the court that everyone is proud of and proud of is, has to have an identity, an identity that’s similar to Phoenix. A little bit of grit, determination, some work ethic, some grind, some joy. We just haven’t had that.’ This statement highlights the importance of creating a team that resonates with the local community and reflects its values.
He further emphasized that this identity will be undeniable and will permeate through all levels of the organization, from the front office to the players and staff.
Accountability from Jones and Bartelstein
Team owner James Jones and CEO Josh Bartelstein also took responsibility for the disappointing season. They acknowledged that the team’s performance was unacceptable and pledged to work together to fix the issues.
Bartelstein said, ‘I know (Ishbia) takes accountability, James and I take a ton of accountability as well. We’re partners in this and we were set to go build a team that would win and win at the highest level and compete and winning 36 games is not acceptable. So our job is to fix that.’ This shared accountability demonstrates a unified commitment to improvement from the team’s leadership.
Jones added that the focus would be on returning to a defensive-minded approach, playing with passion, and executing effectively on both sides of the ball.
Evaluating the Kevin Durant Trade
Ishbia’s acquisition of Kevin Durant in 2023 was a major move aimed at propelling the Suns to championship contention. However, looking back, Ishbia admitted that the trade didn’t yield the desired results.
He stated, ‘Smart people can all think it makes sense, and looking back, it didn’t and it didn’t work.’ This honest assessment suggests a willingness to re-evaluate past decisions and make adjustments as needed.
Despite expressing their continued appreciation for Durant, the Suns appear open to exploring trade options for the two-time NBA champion. This decision reflects a commitment to making changes that are in the best interest of the team’s future.
Missed Opportunities and Future Direction
Ishbia acknowledged that one of his biggest mistakes was not setting a clear tone and identity for the team earlier in the season. He believes that allowing the team to drift without strong guidance contributed to its struggles.
He explained, ‘The biggest mistake was not running and setting the tone and identity and kind of allow it to kind of going as it was going and not say, hey we’re going to take the bull by the horns and say this is what we believe and we’re going to go all in this way.’ This realization highlights the importance of proactive leadership and a clear vision.
Moving forward, Ishbia is determined to establish a strong identity and ensure that the team competes with passion and determination, regardless of the outcome.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for the Suns
Mat Ishbia’s candid assessment of the Phoenix Suns’ disappointing season signals the start of a new chapter for the organization. With a commitment to establishing a clear identity, making necessary changes, and fostering accountability, Ishbia is determined to lead the Suns back to contention.
The upcoming changes, including the search for a new head coach and potential player adjustments, will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The focus on grit, determination, and a strong work ethic suggests a desire to build a team that embodies the spirit of Phoenix and resonates with its community.
As Ishbia looks ahead to the future, he is committed to creating a team that fans can be proud of, one that competes with passion and represents the values of the city. The journey to rebuild the Suns may be challenging, but Ishbia’s leadership and vision provide a foundation for optimism and a renewed sense of hope for the future.
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