© Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
PHOENIX – CBS Sports released its rankings of the best and worst front offices in the NBA, and they didn’t give the Phoenix Suns a whole lot of credit.
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Jan 29, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia against the Detroit Pistons in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
One way to evaluate a front office is to rewind the tape. Three coaching changes and franchise-altering trades that saw Kevin Durant play in the desert to leave shortly after showed organizational volatility. That’s the case laid out by CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn in their ranking of NBA front offices, where Phoenix landed at 26th out of 30.
CBS Sports Ranks the Top 30 Front Offices in the NBA:
1. OKC Thunder
2. Boston Celtics
3. Houston Rockets
4. San Antonio Spurs
5. Cleveland Cavaliers
6. Indiana Pacers
7. New York Knicks
8. Utah Jazz
9. Philadelphia 76ers
10. Minnesota Timberwolves
11. Memphis Grizzlies
12.… pic.twitter.com/eJQcmi4lXS— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 17, 2026
Although currently 7th in the standings in a loaded Western Conference, the Suns are pacing ahead of most analytic projections at the beginning of the season. Their productivity has hovered in playoff-caliber territory as their offensive efficiency has climbed month over month. That doesn’t happen by accident; it happens when roster construction aligns with coaching philosophy and when leadership commits to clarity after chaos.
Phoenix Mercury CEO Josh Bartlestein (left) talks with team owner Mat Ishbia during the second quarter against the Washington Mystics at PHX Arena on May 25, 2025. © Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Owner Mat Ishbia was credited as fan-forward, as engagement fuels markets like Phoenix. But beyond optics, the basketball operations group has recalibrated. Suns HC Jordan Ott has stabilized rotations, empowers younger role players, and makes the necessary adjustments night in and night out.
Oct 22, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and forward Dillon Brooks (3) during the second half against the Sacramento Kings at the Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Nationally, the Suns’ case asks a broader question: How long should past missteps define present competence? Locally, fans see a team competing nightly, defending harder, sharing the ball more, and developing depth instead of chasing headlines. Wins build credibility, and right now, the Suns are building something sturdier than a narrative. They’re building proof.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
