Phoenix Suns

In 1968, the Phoenix Suns basketball team joined the NBA as an expansion team despite critics who scoffed at the thought of basketball in Phoenix. Richard Bloch, Karl Eller, Don Diamond and Donald Pitt invested in the team. Over twenty eight thousand entries came in during a naming contest. The majority of fans chose "Suns".

The Sun's first media guide listed many reasons why Phoenix was a great home for NBA basketball. The Phoenix sun and temperate weather made this list.

Currently, the Phoenix Suns, who share their name with the Phoenix Sun newspaper, play against four other professional basketball teams in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association (NBA). They play in the Phoenix Suns Stadium in the America West Arena in Phoenix, Arizona.

Stanley Fabe of Tucson designed the first Phoenix Suns logo. It contained the teams name in purple surrounding a gold basketball inside an orange box with a sunburst. A later logo of a phoenix rising over a basketball continues to cause disputes over its use in the media.

Over two hundred young women from all over the United States travel to Arizona to audition for the Phoenix Suns cheerleaders, known as Sun Dancers. Chosen Phoenix Suns dancers make their way through a rigorous training camp with intense rehearsals for game preparation.

The Phoenix Suns jerseys have colors of white, purple and orange. The home jerseys are mostly white, with the away covered in mostly purple.

In the 1999-2000 basketball season, the Phoenix Suns went through an unexpected change. Their coach, Danny Ainge, stepped down as head coach a little less than two months. Scott Skiles took over and lead the team to a 40-22 record. Kidd and Hardaway both suffered injuries during this period. They both returned before the seasons end. The Phoenix Suns brought back two familiar faces, Mark West and Oliver Miller. Kevin Johnson's return came as a surprise to fans and players.

2006-07 players include Marcus banks from Nevada, Leandro Barbosa from Brazil, and Pat Burke from Auburn. Mike D'Antoni coaches the team.

Team enthusiasts purchase, display and wear hats, t-shirts, shorts and other Phoenix Suns apparel.

Phoenix Suns history includes their rise to the finals in 1976 where they went on to win the NBA Championship. In 2007 they again made it to the playoffs.

Searching for Phoenix Suns playoff tickets? Fans may visit the NBA website for information on Phoenix Suns tickets and the Phoenix Suns TV schedule.