2025-26 NBA Season Analysis
In the 2025-26 NBA season, The IkoSystem is on a mission to analyze and dissect the unfolding dynamics of the league. This week, attention shifts to the Phoenix Suns‘ innovative playmaking strategy, the potential of a duo, Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes, in Los Angeles, and how the Houston Rockets are addressing spacing in their frontcourt.
Phoenix Suns’ New Strategy Under Ott
The Suns have made a notable shift in their offensive approach under the leadership of head coach Jordan Ott, previously an assistant with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Following a series of preseason activities, including a substantial media day and training sessions, players like Devin Booker and Grayson Allen have praised Ott’s commitment to a fluid and adaptive offensive framework. Recent statistics reveal the Suns, despite having offensive challenges last season, ranked impressively as ninth for halfcourt points per play and third in three-point shooting percentage.
During a recent win against the Los Angeles Lakers, Booker demonstrated his playmaking skills, recording seven assists with only a single turnover. The absence of a traditional point guard allows him to slip into a comfortable role, where quick-paced movement, as observed in training camp and their preseason games, is crucial for the Suns’ success. Even when players like Jalen Green were sidelined, Ott encouraged fluidity and swift offensive executions, a tactic designed to keep opposing defenses guessing.
In this revamped system, all players—including forwards like Royce O’Neale and Dillon Brooks—are expected to contribute to ball movement, a strategy that allows for greater flexibility and opportunity for scoring. Ott’s approach is reminiscent of how the Oklahoma City Thunder capitalized on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander‘s versatility.
Houston Rockets’ New Big-Man Lineup
Meanwhile, the Rockets seem to have unlocked a successful strategy by utilizing both Alperen Şengün and Steven Adams on the court together. With the addition of Clint Capela, Houston now boasts an intriguing trio of big men that provide a solid mixture of rebounding, rim protection, and offensive threat. This strategic change allows for load management for Adams as he recovers from a knee injury.
Şengün has emerged as a pivotal player, stepping up as the creative force in the absence of recently departed Fred VanVleet. He showed his capability by scoring 19 points and assisting on six others in a recent win, emphasizing his role as a halfcourt facilitator as he adapts alongside teammates like Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard. Coach Ime Udoka is leveraging these preseason games to test various combinations among his bigs, with hopes that Şengün’s emerging shooting ability from long range could further enhance the Rockets’ offensive capabilities.
Lakers’ Defensive Prospects with Ayton and Hayes
As for the Los Angeles Lakers, despite a rocky start to the preseason with two losses, there is cautious optimism surrounding the potential of Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes in protecting the rim. Last season, the Lakers struggled defensively, particularly in allowing opponents to score easily within six feet. However, the recent pairing of Ayton and Hayes offers hope for improvement.
Though each player brings distinct strengths to the court—Ayton’s size and advanced shot-blocking potential combined with Hayes’ agility and ability to contest shots—the early results in the preseason suggest that there may be room for growth. The Lakers have allowed an alarming average of 44 points in the paint across their initial preseason games, signifying a challenge that the new duo will need to address promptly.
Overall, the focus for Los Angeles in the coming games will be on establishing chemistry with their newly reconfigured lineup while integrating defensive strategies that capitalize on both Ayton’s and Hayes’ unique capabilities. The team is still in its experimental phase, testing various combinations and tactical adjustments to find a winning formula.
Through these early preseason insights, it is clear that the Suns, Rockets, and Lakers are all grappling with new systems and player dynamics, crafting strategies that could define their seasons ahead. Expect continued evolution as these teams seek to harness their full potential in the upcoming regular season.
