Suns’ early problem goes beyond getting Devin Booker better shots

October 28, 2026

The Suns need to get their offense organized. They also need to stop giving opponents a second turn with the ball.

Through Phoenix’s first three games, the rebounding numbers were particularly difficult to overlook. Opponents collected 43.3% of their own misses, while the Suns allowed a league-high 15.7 offensive rebounds and 23.0 second-chance points per game, according to Brendan Mau of Suns On SI.

That’s a lot of extra work for a defense already struggling to get the first stop.

Phoenix opened 1-2 and ranked last in defensive rating. Its starting lineup also had the worst net rating among five-man groups with at least 25 minutes together, though its 37-minute sample is hardly enough to declare the arrangement hopeless.

It is enough to give coach Jordan Ott some things to sort out.

Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and Miles Bridges haven’t found a comfortable offensive fit. Meanwhile, Mark Williams’ torn labrum has left Phoenix without an important option at center, putting more responsibility on young big man Khaman Maluach.

Oso Ighodaro’s eventual return from an oblique strain would provide another frontcourt option. But rebounding was a problem last season, too, when Phoenix finished 29th in defensive rebounding.

So this isn’t simply waiting for one injured player or a few more Booker jumpers to fall.

The Suns recovered from a 1-4 start to win 45 games last season. They have time to improve again. Finishing defensive possessions would give that effort a considerably better chance.