Phoenix Suns · Franchise era 6 of 7
The long rebuild: the Phoenix Suns story
Franchise era
2010–11—2019–20
The long rebuild
Phoenix Suns
The story in one sentence
Phoenix spent a decade outside the playoffs while Booker developed from late-lottery scorer into its next franchise star.
Booker emerges through instability
Devin Booker, Goran Dragić and Eric Bledsoe gave the era its recognizable core.
Its ending created the conditions for booker's contender.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 2010–11
What came before
Nash's return unlocked a revolutionary offense and three conference-finals trips, influencing a generation without reaching the Finals.
2010–11—2019–20
The long rebuild
Phoenix spent a decade outside the playoffs while Booker developed from late-lottery scorer into its next franchise star.
After 2019–20
What came next
Paul helped Booker lead a Finals run and a 64-win season before Phoenix exchanged depth and draft capital for another superstar swing.
The core