The NBA Executive of the Year is typically awarded to the league’s best team, as evidenced by Sam Presti, general manager of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2024–25 season. But don’t tell that to Phoenix Suns GM Brian Gregory.
The latter has completely transformed Phoenix after a 2024-25 offseason where there were a lot of questions. What will happen with Kevin Durant? What about Bradley Beal’s impending contract? Will Devin Booker commit to Phoenix?
He answered all those questions, but appeared to rebuild the culture through alignment in just a few months. While alignment was the focus of every joke about Gregory, his eyes were set on a complete 180-degree change.
Thunder’s Sam Presti being compared to Suns’ Brian Gregory’s offseason
Presti made two of the most impactful moves that season with Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein. Those two alone showed how impressive and deep Oklahoma City was heading into the 2024-25 season, thanks to Presti’s knack for finding talent and fits. The 64-win season ended with an NBA Finals victory.
It highlighted that building through the draft, finding and developing the right players and coaches, and establishing culture in addition to finding fit, was the ultimate mix for sustained success.
As soon as they were in the Finals, Phoenix began preparing for the 2025 NBA Draft. He didn’t have the best draft capital after the Suns traded their only guaranteed draft pick in 2031 to the Utah Jazz for a three-first pick.
However, these three selections were the least favorable among the three teams (essentially, the team with the best record is the selection that Phoenix would get). Leading up to the draft, Gregory’s collegiate expertise stood out.
They had a few draft picks, but when the Suns traded for Kevin Durant, Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks and several second-round picks for the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 draft, they acquired a big pick.
That first-round pick was used to draft Duke center Khaman Maluach. Then the first-year general manager put on his scouting cap and found two pieces of the future in Rasheer Fleming and Coby Brea.
Gregory called the latter “the best college shooter of the last three years.” And for Fleming, his defense, shooting and unreal athleticism were in line with his vision.
All the while, they traded for former Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams on draft day. The 23-year-old big man was made the team’s starting center, and it seemed like a low-risk, high-reward move.
But about two weeks ago, the Suns hired Jordan Ott, causing a lot of doubt because of the potential Michigan State tie between him, Gregory and owner Matt Ishbia.
Nonetheless, the GM mentioned that the organization conducted dozens of interviews to find the right person. He even called in outside sources to hear a different perspective.
Hiring the future coach, selecting future key players and establishing a long-term culture were all accomplished within a month.
How has the Suns regular season been vs. the Thunders regular season?
As for the Thunder, they have not surprised anyone with their dominance. At the beginning of the year, they were potentially trying to break the Golden State Warriors’ record for most wins in a season (73).
They came back down to earth, but Oklahoma City’s dominance shocked everyone. A dynasty seems to be emerging, but before we analyze it, let’s go back to January 4th.
A nearly healthy Suns team defeats the Thunder as game winners. The last two meetings did not go Phoenix’s way, but they were filled with stars returning from injury (Devin Booker) or being out due to injury.
A game is not equal why should Gregory win over Presti? If it were so, it would be inconsistent. That Sunday night was a microcosm of what the Suns GM has built: a gritty, physical, defensive-minded and connected team.
Someone in particular who has changed the culture is Brooks. He changed the culture wherever he went, even during his time with the Memphis Grizzlies.
After almost being traded to Phoenix in 2018, it was a full-circle moment when he was traded. Playing with Booker has enhanced both of their games, but Brooks has taken his game to another level.
There is more offensive responsibility and liability in this, which he has performed well. Averaging over 20 points per game and shooting nearly 70% at the rim is impressive.
His unorthodox attacking play has thrown defenders out of their rhythm. Even with Booker and Green out, Brooks has agreed to be the preferred option, which he cited following the 2024-25 first-round series with the Golden State Warriors.
Through the All-Star break, Oklahoma City had 42 wins compared to Phoenix’s 32. The Thunder’s dominance was expected, but the Suns’ surprise was something that took many by surprise.
What has Brian Gregory done for the Suns since the All-Star break?
The moves haven’t stopped since the backend of the season began. The team gave Green a long-term return, even as he worked extra hard for his hamstring recovery.
Additionally, the Suns signed running back Haywood Highsmith to a two-year waiver deal and gave two-way player Jamari Bouia a contract extension.
With Green out, Bouia, in particular, has been a nice contribution. Another guard above the rim who can create his own shot. Meanwhile, Highsmith brings the defensive intensity and versatility that Gregory has preached since taking over the job.
Injuries have kept the team from showing what they can look like when the trio of Booker, Brooks and Green remain healthy. However, Phoenix has maintained its hold on the court even without these three.
If the success continues, Gregory should hoist the Executive of the Year award based on the team’s turnaround, navigating the free agent market and making the most of the Durant trade and landing a player who aligns with the culture.
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