By Marnie Tisdale; Co-Host of The S3 Podcast

In the dynamic landscape of NBA history, the Phoenix Suns stand as a testament to the highs and lows that define a franchise's journey. From their humble beginnings as an expansion team in 1968 to their recent resurgence in 2021, the Suns have woven a narrative rich with iconic players, notable achievements, and challenges that have shaped their identity in the world of professional basketball.

Foundation and Early Years
Established as an expansion team in 1968, the Phoenix Suns became the first major professional sports franchise in the city. For nearly two decades, they held the spotlight as Phoenix's primary sports representation, predating the arrival of the Arizona Cardinals in 1988. The team played its first 24 seasons at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum, a venue affectionately dubbed the "Madhouse on McDowell."

The Birth of the Suns and Mascot "Go"
In a stroke of local engagement, The Arizona Republic held a "name-the-team" contest, resulting in the selection of the Suns from 28,000 entries. The winner received $1,000 and season tickets. The team's first iconic logo, designed by Stan Fabe, emerged after an initial professional attempt fell short. The Suns, interestingly, embraced their mascot "Go," a gorilla with a fictional background story originating from the Banana Republic and educated at Furman University.

Colangelo Era and the 1976 NBA Finals
Jerry Colangelo took the helm as the team's general manager from its inception in 1968 until 1995, steering the Suns through various challenges. In 1976, the team achieved a historic milestone by reaching the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics. This journey is remembered as one of the biggest upsets in NBA history, attributed to players like Dick Van Arsdale, Alvan Adams, and Paul Westphal.

Challenges and Controversies in the Late '80s
The late '80s brought challenges to the Suns, with a drug-related scandal in 1987 tarnishing the team's reputation. Jerry Colangelo's group stepped in to purchase the team during this tumultuous period. Additionally, the tragic death of forward Nick Vanos in a plane crash added to the team's upheaval.

The Kevin Johnson Era and New Arena
In 1988, the Suns acquired Kevin Johnson (KJ), marking the beginning of a franchise-record run of 13 consecutive playoff appearances. The team secured its own arena in 1992, known as America West Arena, setting the stage for new achievements.

1993 NBA Finals and the Barkley Era
The 1992-93 season saw the Suns achieve a franchise-record 62 wins, setting the stage for an appearance in the NBA Finals against the Chicago Bulls in 1993. Despite the heartbreaking loss in a triple-overtime game, the Suns showcased their prowess with players like Kevin Johnson, Dan Majerle, and Charles Barkley.

Post-Barkley Years and the Steve Nash Era
The post-Barkley era brought challenges, but in 1996-97, the Suns, led by coach Danny Ainge, rebounded from a disastrous start to make an 11-game win streak and nearly upset the favored Sonics in the playoffs. In 2004, Jerry Colangelo sold the team to an investment group, setting the stage for a new chapter.

In 2006, the Suns reached the NBA Finals once again, attributed to the "Steve Nash era," featuring players like Nash, Shawn Marion, and Amar'e Stoudemire.

Recent Years and the Chris Paul Era
In 2021, the Suns made a triumphant return to the NBA Finals, led by Chris Paul and Devin Booker. The team's success marked their first playoff appearance since 2010. As Chris Paul moves to the Warriors in a recent trade, the Suns face the challenge of maintaining their competitive edge in the upcoming season.

Enduring Voices and Notable Achievements
Throughout the Suns' journey, the enduring voice of Hall of Fame radio announcer Al McCoy, known as "the voice of the Suns," has provided a soundtrack to the team's triumphs and challenges. McCoy, the longest-tenured broadcaster in NBA history, has called three of the Suns' appearances in the finals (1976, 1993, and 2021).

The Suns' legacy is also marked by their success, with 21 playoff appearances and six division titles. While they haven't clinched an NBA championship, they hold the NBA's fifth-best all-time winning percentage, showcasing their consistent competitiveness.

Steve Nash's back-to-back NBA Most Valuable Player Awards in the 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons solidify his place as one of the franchise's all-time greats, following in the footsteps of Magic Johnson.


As the Suns embark on their next chapter, they carry with them a storied history, a dedicated fanbase, and the echoes of their enduring voices.