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.
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
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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.
History of the Suns
The Phoenix Suns, home to some of the NBA's greatest players, are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They play in the Western National Basketball Association (NBA) Conference. The franchise was founded as an expansion team in 1968 and has become one of the most successful teams in the history of the NBA.
Since their inception, the Suns have made 21 playoff appearances and won six division titles. In 1976 they reached their first-ever NBA Finals appearance but were defeated by Boston Celtics four games to two. However, it wasn't until 1993 that they finally achieved their first championship title when Charles Barkley led them to victory against Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls four games to two. This marked a significant milestone for both Barkley and head coach Paul Westphal who had been with the organization since the 1992-93 season, respectively; making this even more remarkable is that this was only three years after being eliminated from contention due to salary cap issues which resulted from signing Tom Chambers prior season!
In recent years, Steve Nash took over point guard duties during his tenure with Phoenix (2004-12), leading them back into playoffs five consecutive times, including another trip to finals in 2006, where San Antonio Spurs swept them a 4–0 series win despite having home court advantage throughout entire postseason run! Despite not winning any championships recently or reaching deep into playoffs like before, current core players Devin Booker Deandre Ayton, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Mikal Bridges still provide hope for future success within an organization given the young talent pool available at disposal these days - something fans can look forward too hopefully sooner somewhat later the time comes around again soon enough!
Sports Fan Products
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