Suns After Dark: A Phoenix Suns Podcast

On Episode 16 of the Suns After Dark Podcast, Gerald Bourguet is joined by Max McCauley to give their reactions to Phoenix Suns exit interviews and break down how the Suns should approach their offseason!First, Gerald gets Max's thoughts on the Suns' season as a whole after that first-round sweep against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2026 NBA Playoffs, including whether the Suns can realistically close the gap to get back to contention in the Devin Booker era.From there, they move on to Collin Gillespie's upcoming free agency and his comments during exit interviews about returning to the Suns. After that, Oso Ighodaro gave his thoughts on developing his jump shot behind the scenes, while Dillon Brooks addressed the love and support from Suns fans and how he wants to keep building in Phoenix.Next, Grayson Allen teased continuity with this roster before Mat Ishbia and Brian Gregory gave their full thoughts on how continuity and player development will be the main points of emphasis for the Suns' offseason. Gerald and Max address the big question: Is that the right approach?After that, it's time to talk about Devin Booker's disappointing postseason, what his optimal role is and whether the Suns are doing the right thing by continuing to build around him, with thoughts from Ishbia and Gregory. Next up, Gerald and Max give their thoughts on whether the Suns' main trio of Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green can fit, along with Brian Gregory's thoughts on the subject.Then, it's time to discuss whether the Suns should re-sign their other two main free agents, Jordan Goodwin and Mark Williams, as well as how Phoenix should approach their center-by-committee situation next year with Oso Ighodaro and Khaman Maluach needing minutes.Finally, Gerald and Max close the show by discussing Season 2 of HBO Max's excellent medical drama, The Pitt.0:00 - Intro2:15 - Takeaways from Suns' season after first-round sweep8:00 - Collin Gillespie's free agency11:50 - Oso Ighodaro working on a jump shot behind the scenes15:20 - Dillon Brooks is beloved in Phoenix and wants to build here22:45 - Grayson Allen teases continuity26:25 - Mat Ishbia and Brian Gregory emphasize continuity and player development for Suns' offseason34:40 - Devin Booker isn't going anywhere after disappointing postseason, but it that the right call?44:00 - Does the Devin Booker-Jalen Green-Dillon Brooks trio fit together?51:10 - What Suns should do with free agents Jordan Goodwin and Mark Williams, and how to handle their 3 centers58:15 - The Pitt Season 2

On Episode 15 of the Suns After Dark Podcast, Gerald Bourguet is joined by Nekias Duncan to break down the Phoenix Suns’ blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of their first-round playoff matchup, potential adjustments for Game 2, and the latest season of Invincible!To kick things off, the duo circles back to that ugly Game 1 loss to try and sort out some areas where the Suns can be better compared to the Thunder just being really good. After that, they dive into some Game 2 adjustments, including the offensive glass, minutes for Rasheer Fleming, Phoenix’s approach on offense in general, Dillon Brooks’ shot selection, and possibly even changing the starting lineup.Finally, it’s time to break down an explosive (literally) and gut-wrenching (also literally) Season 4 of Invincible, an incredible animated superhero show on Amazon that defies standard superhero conventions.0:00 - Intro1:25 - Suns vs. Thunder Game 1 reactions4:25 - Positives from Game 1 to carry over into Game 28:05 - Can Suns cut down on turnovers vs. OKC's elite defense?12:10 - The need for Rasheer Fleming minutes15:30 - Can the Suns reel Dillon Brooks back in?20:10 - How Suns can close the gap in points in the paint22:15 - The potential impact of Mark Williams, Grayson Allen and Jordan Goodwin if healthy25:20 - How Suns defended Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in Game 127:55 - A potential adjustment to the Suns starting lineup32:35 - Season 4 of Invincible

On Episode 14 of the Suns After Dark Podcast, Gerald Bourguet is joined by Flex From Jersey to break down the Phoenix Suns' brutal play-in loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, what to make of Devin Booker and the Suns' late-game struggles, and a look ahead to Phoenix's play-in game for the 8-seed against either the LA Clippers of the Golden State Warriors!To start things off, Gerald gets a temperature check from Optimist Flex after another Suns meltdown in a crucial game for the 7-seed. Then, they dive into what went wrong in the play-in, including their fourth quarter collapse.From there, they give their thoughts on Devin Booker's struggles in big elimination games and whether he can still be the best player on a title contender.Finally, they look ahead to the Oklahoma City Thunder if Phoenix can secure the 8-seed, before previewing the Suns' potential play-in matchup against either the Clippers or the Warriors, along with the pros and cons of facing each opponent.0:00 - Intro1:35 - Reactions to Suns' play-in game vs. Blazers6:05 - What fueled Suns' 4th quarter collapse vs. Portland (and all season)26:00 - Devin Booker's latest struggles in an elimination game 35:50 - Looking on the bright side if Suns face Thunder in playoffs45:10 - Pros and cons of facing Warriors in play-in for the 8-seed57:00 - Pros and cons of facing Clippers in play-in for the 8-seed

On Episode 13 of the Suns After Dark Podcast, Gerald Bourguet is joined by Erik Ruby to break down Devin Booker's hot streak over the last month, potential play-in matchups with the LA Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers, and Netflix's hit limited series, Adolescence!To start off with, the duo gives their thoughts on what Phoenix Suns fans should make of this unexpected season, even if it ends in failure. From there, they jump into how Devin Booker has rounded into playoff form over the last month, and where the rest of his teammates need to catch up now that everyone's healthy.After that, they take a look at the strengths and weaknesses of the LA Clippers and how the Suns stack up to them in a potential play-in matchup. Then, they do the same for the Portland Trail Blazers.Finally, they close the show by giving their thoughts on Adolescence, the critically acclaimed limited series that took Netflix by storm last year.0:00 - Intro3:10 - How should Suns fans view this unexpected season?16:20 - Devin Booker rounding into playoff form20:50 - The other Suns needing to figure things out31:20 - LA Clippers play-in preview45:55 - Portland Trail Blazers play-in preview58:55 - Adolescence

On Episode 12 of the Suns After Dark Podcast, Gerald Bourguet is joined by Stephen Pridgeon-Garner to look ahead to the Phoenix Suns' potential play-in opponents, lineups to optimize Jalen Green and what we need to see from this team before the regular season ends!First, the Take That For Data reunion starts off by evaluating what the Suns still need to figure out before the regular season ends (aside from the obvious one, getting healthy). Next, they examine a few lineups they'd like to see around Jalen Green to optimize the young Suns guard whenever Devin Booker is off the floor, as well as the lineup choices Jordan Ott has been making lately.After that, they dive into the Suns' recent late-game woes. Next, they tackle the question of whether Rasheer Fleming should start taking some of Royce O'Neale's minutes and what the trade-offs might be there. From there, it's time to answer the question that keeps on giving: Who should be the Suns' starting five if everyone is healthy?Finally, they take a look at the LA Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers and what to expect if the Suns face either of those teams in the Play-In Tournament.0:00 - Intro2:35 - What Suns need to figure out before regular season ends5:15 - Figuring out lineups to optimize Jalen Green9:20 - Jordan Ott exploring other lineups17:50 - Suns' late-game woes26:05 - Royce O'Neale vs. Rasheer Fleming35:25 - What should the Suns' starting lineup be?43:50 - LA Clippers preview for potential play-in matchup50:20 - Portland Trail Blazers preview for potential play-in matchup

On Episode 11 of the Suns After Dark Podcast, Gerald Bourguet is joined by David Nash for a mega pod breaking down every relevant Phoenix Suns storyline as we approach the 2026 NBA Playoffs!To kick things off, Bourguet and Nash dive into the season Devin Booker is having, why he makes the most sense as the Suns' lead initiator and creator, and what people are missing with the "Point Book" conversation by saying he needs a traditional point guard.After that, they take a look at the good and the bad with Jalen Green now that he's getting acclimated and shaking off the rust. From there, they give their extended thoughts on what they've seen from both Oso Ighodaro and Ryan Dunn in Year 2.Next, they break down the pros and the cons of Mark Williams, how the Suns could get him more involved once he's back, and how he could get himself more involved as well.After that, they examine the Suns' late-game woes during their recent 5-game losing streak, before segueing into an extended conversation about what Jordan Ott should do with his playoff rotation, and why he should open it up to at least 9-10 players.0:00 - Intro3:00 - Breaking down Devin Booker's season and the "Point Book" misconceptions18:30 - The good and the bad with Jalen Green so far35:00 - Oso Ighodaro in Year 244:10 - Ryan Dunn in Year 256:25 - Mark Williams concerns1:07:40 - Suns' recent late-game struggles and what's behind them1:19:05 - Why Jordan Ott should expand his playoff rotation

On Episode 10 of the Suns After Dark Podcast, Gerald Bourguet is joined by Greg Esposito to discuss the Phoenix Suns' biggest areas for improvement after their recent struggles, how Haywood Highsmith is fitting in, what their playoff rotation should look like, and their most anticipated movies and TV shows of 2026!To start, Gerald addresses the elephant in the room and sets the record straight to squash any remaining beef with Espo. Next, they break down the Suns' losing streak and how they can get back to their winning ways.After that, they take a look at how Haywood Highsmith has fit in so quickly before moving on to Collin Gillespie's shooting slump. From there, they break down what the Suns' 8-man, 9-man or even 10-man playoff rotation should look like.Next, Espo plays Blind Rank with Suns players and celebrity Suns fans. Finally, to close things out, they each give their 5 most anticipated TV shows and movies of 2026.0:00 - Intro addressing the elephant in the room5:00 - Suns' areas for improvement after losing streak19:25 - How Haywood Highsmith has fit in seamlessly24:45 - Collin Gillespie's shooting slump31:30 - What Suns' playoff rotation should look like43:05 - Blind Rank: Suns players & celebrity Suns fans51:55 - Most anticipated TV shows & movies of 2026

On Episode 9 of the Suns After Dark Podcast, Gerald Bourguet is joined by Bleacher Report's Dan Favale to break down Jordan Ott's case for Coach of the Year, give reasons the Phoenix Suns are being slept on as a threat to win a playoff series, dive into Rasheer Fleming and Khaman Maluach showing signs of life, and rave about one of their favorite TV shows, Shrinking!First, Gerald gets Dan's take on the Suns from a national perspective. Next, they take a look at Jordan Ott's COY case and how it stacks up to the current favorite, Joe Mazzulla. After that, they marvel at Rasheer Fleming and Khaman Maluach's signs of life over the last few weeks now that they've earned some minutes.From there, they dive into the reasons Phoenix is being overlooked as a team that could potentially win a playoff series, depending on their matchup. Next, they look at the flip side of the coin and outline some potentially fatal flaws for this Suns squad.Finally, they close by discussing Shrinking, an excellent Apple TV+ comedy from Jason Segel, Bill Lawrence and Brett Goldstein.0:00 - Intro4:15 - National perspective on the Suns7:40 - Jordan Ott's COY case20:00 - Signs of growth from Rasheer Fleming27:40 - Signs of growth from Khaman Maluach37:35 - Reasons the Suns are being overlooked49:15 - Potentially fatal flaws for Suns59:50 - Shrinking

On Episode 8 of the Suns After Dark Podcast, Gerald Bourguet is joined by Phoenix Suns play-by-play broadcaster Kevin Ray to discuss Jalen Green's up-and-down acclimation process, Rasheer Fleming showing promising signs, the origins of "The Boom Room" and plenty more!First, K-Ray gives his thoughts on what makes this Suns team such a close-knit, fun team to cover. After that, they take a look at Jalen Green's recent struggles and why it's too early to be concerned. From there, Rasheer Fleming earning his place in the rotation deserves some attention, following by setting expectations for newcomer Haywood Highsmith.After that, the two discuss what Phoenix's preferred starting lineup might look like, as well as what the Suns need to do to win a playoff series (other than get healthy).Next, Kevin Ray gives a peak behind the curtain at all the daily prep work that goes into being a play-by-play broadcaster in the NBA, as well as how he tries to stay objective on the call and be informed about the other team. Then he gives the origins of his trademark catchphrases, "Brings the Boom" and "The Boom Room," and answers whether he's seen "The Boom Room Tracker" on Twitter.Finally, K-Ray plays Blind Rank with Gerald, blindly ranking six iconic catchphrases among basketball broadcasters.0:00 - Intro1:15 - How fun this Suns team has been to cover8:50 - Jalen Green's recent struggles and acclimation process14:20 - Rasheer Fleming showing promising signs lately21:15 - Expectations for Haywood Highsmith25:45 - Who should be the Suns' starting 5?30:40 - What Suns need to do to win a playoff series37:00 - The daily prep work of an NBA broadcaster43:00 - "The Boom Room" leaderboard and origins49:10 - Blind Rank: basketball broadcaster catchphrases

On the seventh episode of the Suns After Dark Podcast, Gerald Bourguet is joined by The Timeline Podcast's Mike Vigil to talk buyout targets, biggest post-All-Star questions for the Phoenix Suns and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms!To start, they give their initial impressions of Amir Coffey through his first two games in a Suns uniform. From there, the duo moves on to potential buyout targets for Phoenix, including Khris Middleton, Kevin Love, Kyle Anderson, Chris Boucher and missing out on Jeremy Sochan.After that, they play over/unders with a few Suns-related All-Star items to keep tabs on. Then, they address the biggest post-All-Star break questions facing this team, including whether Phoenix has a potential Dillon Brooks problem, whether Jalen Green should continue coming off the bench, what the Suns' ideal starting lineup should be, and whether they're worried about Khaman Maluach or Rasheer Fleming at this point.Finally, Gerald and Mike give their thoughts on the first four episodes of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, HBO Max's fun Game of Thrones spinoff.0:00 - Intro1:40 - Initial impressions of Amir Coffey5:45 - Potential buyout targets for Suns14:20 - Suns-related over-unders for All-Star Weekend23:25 - Biggest post-All-Star questions for Suns: Dillon Brooks problem?27:50 - Biggest post-All-Star questions for Suns: How much longer should Jalen Green come off the bench?30:10 - Biggest post-All-Star questions for Suns: What should the starting lineup be?35:05 - Biggest post-All-Star questions for Suns: What is this team's biggest obstacle to winning a playoff series?39:00 - Biggest post-All-Star questions for Suns: How worried are we about Khaman Maluach and Rasheer Fleming?45:20 -.A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

On the sixth episode of the Suns After Dark Podcast, Gerald Bourguet is joined by Bright Side of the Suns' John Voita to break down the Phoenix Suns' minor move before the 2026 NBA Trade Deadline!To start off with, the two give their thoughts on the Suns' relatively quiet trade deadline, which included their minor move to send Nick Richards and Nigel Hayes-Davis to the Milwaukee Bucks for Amir Coffey and Cole Anthony.From there, they dive into expectations for Coffey and Anthony, as well as the luxury tax implications of this move. After that, they evaluate whether the Suns should've been more active at the trade deadline and potential concerns after choosing to avoid rocking the boat.Finally, they take a look at the other notable trades from other Western Conference contenders and how they might impact the Suns' hunt for a playoff spot.0:00 - Intro1:15 - Evaluating the Suns' trade deadline as a whole7:40 - What to expect from Amir Coffey11:40 - What to expect from Cole Anthony13:25 - Luxury tax savings, Jamaree Bouyea and Isaiah Livers23:00 - Concerns over the Suns not being more aggressive32:00 - Potential trade targets the Suns could've explored39:00 - Evaluating the trades the rest of the Western Conference made

On the fifth episode of the Suns After Dark Podcast, Gerald Bourguet is joined by former Locked On Suns host Brendon Kleen to set expectations for Jalen Green's imminent return, discuss multiple trades that might make sense for the Phoenix Suns before the 2026 NBA Trade Deadline, and rave about Marty Supreme!To start things off, Brendon gives his thoughts on the Suns being the surprise team of the NBA, before they hone in on Jalen Green nearing his return and what to expect from Green, Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks once that happens.From there, the duo goes through 10 different potential Suns trades ahead of the 2026 NBA Trade Deadline, including Nick Richards salary dumps to get underneath the tax, Bobby Portis, Jerami Grant and Santi Aldama.After going through all 10 trades, they end the show by raving about Marty Supreme, which features a career-defining performance from Timothee Chalamet.0:00 - Intro1:15 - Brendon's general thoughts on this Suns team4:25 - Expectations for Jalen Green's imminent return12:00 - Suns trade talk disclaimers14:30 - Trade No. 1: DaRon Holmes II19:55 - Trade No. 2: Chris Boucher22:05 - Trade No. 3: Trendon Watford24:35 - Trade No. 4: Guerschon Yabusele31:05 - Trade No. 5: Jerami Grant36:30 - Trade No. 6: Obi Toppin39:15 - Trade No. 7: Bobby Portis44:00 - Trade No. 8: Jeremy Sochan49:05 - Trade No. 9: Santi Aldama54:40 - Trade No. 10: Dorian Finney-Smith & Clint Capela59:40 - Marty Supreme

On the fourth episode of the Suns After Dark Podcast, Gerald Bourguet is joined by ESPN's Brian Windhorst to break down the Phoenix Suns' surprising 2025-26 season so far!First, they start with Kevin Durant's revenge game-winner against the Suns and his "scapegoated" comments after the fact. Was KD scapegoated in Phoenix? Or does he deserve his fair share of blame for how the Suns spiraled last year?Then, Windy tells some stories about his time covering the Suns in Phoenix, including his memories of the 2021 and 2022 teams, the ESPN story exposing Robert Server and more.After that, Gerald gets Windy's thoughts on how the Suns have drastically exceeded expectations this season, including people underestimating the Dillon Brooks Experience. From there, it's time to examine Jordan Ott's case for Coach of the Year, whether Devin Booker should be an All-Star this season, and their main competition for those accolades.Finally, they discuss the upcoming 2026 NBA Trade Deadline and what to expect from the Suns.0:00 - Intro2:35 - Thoughts on Kevin Durant's "scapegoated" comments11:45 - Windy's stories from covering the 2021-22 Suns20:10 - How this Suns team has exceeded expectations28:20 - Underestimating the impact of the Dillon Brooks Experience35:35 - OUR FIRST EVER AD BREAK!36:40 - Jordan Ott's case and competition for Coach of the Year42:35 - Devin Booker's All-Star case and competition46:20 - What to expect from Suns at 2026 NBA Trade Deadline

On the third episode of the Suns After Dark Podcast, Gerald Bourguet is joined by Arizona Sports' Kellan Olson to discuss the biggest concerns still facing the Phoenix Suns as they head into Christmas, rank some potential playoff opponents in the Western Conference if the Suns make the postseason, and show love to some of their favorite movies and TV shows of 2025, including Wake Up Dead Man, Pluribus, Hamnet, The Pitt, Andor, Severance and more!First, the two run through some concerns for the overachieving Suns and give them a number on a scale of 1-10 for just how worrisome they are, including Jalen Green's latest injury updated, Devin Booker's dwindling 3-point percentage, Mark Williams trying to find his groove, the Suns' opponent offensive rebounding rate, Phoenix's high turnover rate and plenty more.Then, they try to rank the Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors in terms of least favorable to most favorable matchups for the Suns if they make the playoffs.Finally, they spend some time going through their favorite movies and TV shows of 2025, including Wake Up Dead Man, Pluribus, Hamnet, The Pitt, Andor, Severance, Adolescence, Shoresy, Eternity, Twinless, Task, The Studio and more!0:00 - Intro1:45 - Christmas Concern No. 1 for Suns: Jalen Green's injury update8:20 - Christmas Concern No. 2: Devin Booker's dwindling 3P%14:00 - Christmas Concern No. 3: Getting out-rebounded16:50 - Christmas Concern No. 4: Suns' turnovers20:10 - Christmas Concern No. 5: Suns' 3P regression25:10 - Christmas Concern No. 6: Low rim rate & FT rate28:15 - Christmas Concern No. 7: Mark Williams still finding his groove31:05 - Kellan's favorite Suns newcomer to interview34:45 - Ranking Suns' potential playoff opponents50:35 - What we've been watching lately: Wake Up Dead Man55:20 - Pluribus Season 11:04:50 - Our favorite TV shows and movies of 2025: Hamnet, Eternity, Twinless, One Battle After Another, Sinners, The Pitt, Task, Shoresy, Andor, Severance, Adolescence

On the second episode of the Suns After Dark Podcast, Gerald Bourguet is joined by The Timeline's Sam Cooper to talk about Dillon Brooks' insane start to the season and the biggest surprises for the Phoenix Suns!First, the two discuss the insane finish (and horrendous officiating) in the Suns' recent loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Then, they move on to how Jordan Ott has left his imprint on a team that's exceeding expectations in the Western Conference.After that, the duo tries to figure out what to make of Dillon Brooks' insane, high-usage start to the season in his first year with Phoenix. From there, they discuss their biggest Suns surprises of the season, highlighted by Mark Williams and Collin Gillespie.Finally, to close things out, they talk about some movies they've watched recently, including Sorry, Baby, Train Dreams, Jay Kelly and Weapons!0:00 - Intro2:00 - Insane finish (and horrendous officiating) in Suns vs. Lakers11:00 - How Jordan Ott has dramatically changed the Suns20:20 - Domantas Sabonis to the Suns??23:55 - Suns' offensive rebounding26:35 - Worried about the Suns' rookies?31:00 - What to make of Dillon Brooks40:10 - Sam's biggest Suns surprise of the season: Mark Williams46:20 - Gerald's biggest Suns surprise: Collin Gillespie54:00 - What we've watched recently: Sorry, Baby59:30 - Sinners, Weapons & Bring Her Back1:03:15 - Train Dreams

On the first episode of the Suns After Dark Podcast, Gerald Bourguet is joined by Lindsey Smith to talk about the Phoenix Suns' surprising start to the 2025-26 season before diving into their shared experiences getting fired by their former employer. Plus, they talk about what movies and TV shows they've been watching, including Frankenstein, Weapons, One Battle After Another and Season 3 of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives!