The Phoenix Suns history began in 1968 when the franchise joined the NBA as an expansion team in Arizona. Over the decades, Phoenix Suns basketball has delivered unforgettable moments, Hall of Fame players, and multiple trips to the NBA Finals. This proud history continues as the Suns aim for their first championship title.
Established
1968
City
Phoenix
League History
1968 – Present / National Basketball Association
Team History
1968 – Present / Phoenix Suns
Nickname
Suns – The Phoenix Suns have been a staple in the NBA since their inception in 1968. As one of the most beloved teams in basketball history, they are known for their unique name and logo. But what is the origin story behind this iconic nickname?
The Sun's nickname was among 28,000 entries formally chosen in a “Name the Team” contest sponsored by the Arizona Republic; the winner was awarded $1,000 and season tickets to the inaugural season. Suns were preferred to Scorpions, Rattlers, Thunderbirds, Wranglers, Mavericks, Tumbleweeds, Mustangs, and Cougars.
Phoenix Suns Origin
When it was first announced that an expansion team would be joining the NBA based out of Phoenix, Arizona, there were many proposed names to choose from, including Scorpions and Rattlers. However, local sportswriter Don Dedera created "Suns," which he believed perfectly captured Arizona's sunny climate and Western heritage. The name was quickly adopted by fans across America who loved its uniqueness compared to other teams' traditional monikers like Lakers or Knicks.
In addition to being inspired by nature and culture alike, another critical factor contributing to this nickname’s success was how it allowed for a creative logo design featuring an orange sunburst emanating from three purple mountains – representing Arizona’s state flag and colors at once! This instantly recognizable symbol has become synonymous with professional basketball over time while still paying homage to its original roots within The Valley of Sun itself!
Since then, “Suns" has remained part of the sports lexicon, making them one of the few franchises whose identity will never be forgotten no matter how much time passes! So whether you're cheering on your favorite players court-side or watching them play remotely through TV screens around the world - make sure to show some love next time those famous words come up: Go Suns!!
Championship
NBA Championships 0
Arena
2015 – Present / Talking Stick Resort Arena
2006 – 2015 / US Airways Center
1992 – 2006 / America West Arena
1968 – 1992 / Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Owner
2004 – Present / Robert Sarver
1987 – 2004 / Jerry Colangelo
1968 – 1986 / Karl Eller, Andy Williams, Bobbie Gentry and Ed Ames
- 1968
- 1987
- 1994
- 2004
- 2004 - 2005
-
Phoenix Team Formation
The Suns were one of two franchises to join the NBA at the start of the 1968 – 1969 season, alongside the Milwaukee Bucks. They were the first major professional sports franchise in the state of Arizona and would be the only one for twenty years until the Cardinals of the National Football League relocated from St. Louis in 1988. ... -
Colangelo New Owner
In 1968, he left the Bulls and was hired as the first general manager of the expansion team, the Phoenix Suns. He was the youngest general manager in professional sports. When he and his family left for Arizona, he had $200 in his wallet. General manager Jerry Colangelo lead a group that bought the team from its owners for $44 ... -
Talking Stick Resort Arena
Talking Stick Resort Arena (formerly America West Arena and US Airways Center) is a sports and entertainment arena in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. It opened on June 6, 1992, at a construction cost of $89 million. Renovations were completed in March 2003, which feature a 16,000-square-foot air-conditioned glass-enclosed atrium built on the northwest side of the arena, to keep patrons cool ... -
New Owner Robert Sarver
The beginning of 2004 saw the departure of the face of Sun’s management since the team’s inception when Jerry Colangelo announced that the Phoenix Suns were to be sold to an investment group headed by San Diego-based business executive (and Tucson native) Robert Sarver. A lifelong sports fan, Sarver’s quest to purchase an NBA team began with a conversation with ... -
Nash wins back-to-back MVPs
The 2004 – 2005 season marked the Suns’ return to the NBA’s elite, finishing with the best record at 62–20, and tying a franchise record set by the 1992 – 1993 team. This was a major improvement from its 29-53 record just the season before. They ended up setting a team record for the greatest 1-season improvement, 33 games. This ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Phoenix Suns History
The Phoenix Suns history began in 1968 when the franchise entered the NBA as an expansion team based in Phoenix, Arizona. Competing in the Western Conference, Phoenix Suns basketball quickly developed a reputation for its fast pace and loyal fan base. Over the decades, the team has produced unforgettable moments and legendary players who helped define its identity.
From the start, the Suns became a competitive force. They reached their first NBA Finals in 1976 but lost to the Boston Celtics. Although they fell short, the Phoenix Suns history gained national recognition. In the 1990s, Charles Barkley joined the roster, leading the team to the 1993 NBA Finals. Even though they were defeated by Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls, this era signaled that Phoenix Suns basketball was a true contender in the league.
In the 2000s, the Suns entered a new era of excitement under head coach Mike D’Antoni. Two-time MVP Steve Nash ran the team’s innovative “Seven Seconds or Less” offense, making five straight playoff appearances between 2004 and 2010. This high-octane style became one of the most iconic chapters in the Phoenix Suns history and reshaped modern NBA play.
Phoenix Suns Achievements
After a rebuilding period, the Suns returned to prominence behind Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, and Mikal Bridges. In 2021, the team reached the NBA Finals for the third time, falling to the Milwaukee Bucks in a competitive six-game series. Nevertheless, this run confirmed that Phoenix Suns basketball had entered another golden era of success.
The Phoenix Suns history includes three NBA Finals appearances (1976, 1993, 2021), eight division titles, and over 30 playoff appearances. Although the team has yet to capture its first championship, its consistent competitiveness has made it one of the league’s most respected franchises.
Today, Phoenix Suns basketball features stars like Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal, making the team a perennial contender in the Western Conference. With a rich legacy and a bright future, the Suns remain a franchise poised to add a long-awaited NBA title to their historic record.
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Phoenix Suns: A Legacy of Greatness – From Expansion to Contender!
Journey through the remarkable evolution of the Phoenix Suns, from their humble beginnings as a $2 million expansion team in 1968 to their status as NBA championship contenders. This comprehensive look at the franchise's history showcases the team's defining moments, from their first playoff appearance 1970 to their memorable NBA Finals
Retired Number
5 / Dick Van Arsdale
6 / Walter Davis
7 / Kevin Johnson
9 / Dan Majerle
13 / Steve Nash
24 / Tom Chambers
33 / Alvan Adams
34 / Charles Barkley
42 / Connie Hawkins
44 / Paul Westphal
– / Jerry Colangelo
– / Cotton Fitzsimmons
– / John MacLeod
– / Joe Proski
*Blue is this team’s history