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Internally, there's a belief Sheppard has the potential to develop into an all-time great, such as former Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash, if given enough time and the right conditions. Externally, there is less of a consensus on Sheppard. "More like Steve Kerr," a rival scout quipped, when asked about the Nash projection, envisioning Sheppard as an undersized, reserve 2-guard instead of a pure point guard who could serve as an offensive engine.
What do you think is the highlight of your career? Goran Dragic: I mean definitely winning gold medal with national team, that was the highlight of my career, even if I would have won a championship ring in the NBA, probably that still would not top it because when you represent your people, your country, it means everything to me, and that year everything came together: a young Luka first year playing together, Igor Kokoskov, the coach who I worked before in Phoenix for three, four years, and then we went to Madrid to convince Anthony Randolph.
John Gambadoro: Mat Ishbia told @BurnsAndGambo yesterday that he expects Dillon Brooks, who is eligible for a 4-year extension, to be in Phoenix long term and that they have to figure out a way to keep him. Said he see's him as part of a championship team in Phoenix over the next 3-4 years.
Oh No He Didn't: Q: Do you remember the last time you were part of such a one sided game like this? Mikal: "Yeah when I was in Phoenix and I lost" That you laughing @joshhart? lol
Q: Do you remember the last time you were part of such a one sided game like this?
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) May 1, 2026
Mikal: "Yeah when I was in Phoenix and I lost"
That you laughing @joshhart? lol pic.twitter.com/cwXTvGF7vO
Gilbert McGregor: “You get what you deserve in life. Dillon deserves everything he’s gotten. He’s earned it.” Mat Ishbia spoke glowingly of Dillon Brooks, his persona, and why he’s excited for him to continue to be a part of this franchise.
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There is an anticipation that Mark Williams, like Detroit's Jalen Duren and Utah's Walker Kessler, will attempt to generate interest from Chicago in restricted free agency since the Bulls are projected to wield some $65 million in salary cap space. Projecting the Bulls' offseason intentions with certitude will naturally be easier once they've installed a new head of basketball operations, but Chicago's lack of a proven center on the current roster is undeniable.
Dillon Brooks will be extension eligible on the day after the NBA Finals after a career year, but there are variables Phoenix must weigh before committing to a new deal. On one hand, Brooks was an undeniable culture-changer in his maiden season as Sun, contributing mightily to the turnaround Phoenix staged after shipping out Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal and also hiring first-year coach Jordan Ott. Yet there is likewise an understanding in the desert that Brooks' 20.2 points per game featured some spotty efficiency and was fueled at least somewhat by lengthy stretches of injury unavailability for fellow Phoenix newcomer Jalen Green.
The Suns, I'm told, indeed want to secure a long-term stay for Brooks after his role in establishing them as the West's foremost regular season surprise team, but sources say that Phoenix is also mindful of the fact that an extension would kick in for Brooks' age-32 season since there is currently only one season left on his contract in 2026-27 at $21 million.
Michael Scotto: Suns owner Mat Ishbia: “I’ll ride into a fire with Devin Booker, and I’ll do it proudly… Devin Booker is not getting traded. Devin Booker is our franchise player. We’re going to win a championship here with Devin Booker. I’m excited to do it and be next to him when we do that.”
Suns owner Mat Ishbia: “I’ll ride into a fire with Devin Booker, and I’ll do it proudly… Devin Booker is not getting traded. Devin Booker is our franchise player. We’re going to win a championship here with Devin Booker. I’m excited to do it and be next to him when we do that.” pic.twitter.com/CtyNXnLehp
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) April 30, 2026
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Draymond Green: I don't see anyone beating OKC. They're just like a well-oiled machine. I see Phoenix complaining about the foul calls. So while you sit and complain about foul calls, they just gonna get at you. Like, I don't see anybody beating them. I've been thoroughly impressed and enjoying watching LeBron James just control the entire game. Like entire series, the whole pace of the game. I've just been thoroughly enjoying watching them.
Duane Rankin: Suns team owner Mat Ishbia said Devin Booker "is not getting traded" when asked about Booker's status. "Devin Booker is going to be here. Devin Booker is going to lead us to a championship." #Suns
Duane Rankin: Mat Ishbia said "no" to the question about whether he wished Devin Booker imposed his will more in playoff series vs. OKC. Said he's "1000%" behind Booker. #Suns
Duane Rankin: "There's no load management in Phoenix." Mat Ishbia. #Suns