They want to win, but the outlook isn’t good. The Suns kick off their season in less than a week without a permanent general manager.
The man who many think will soon land the job spoke to the media Friday.
"Titles don't mean anything to me, the only title that matters is an NBA title," said Vice President and interim GM James Jones.
Addressing the press for the first time since his former boss Ryan Mcdonough was permanently benched.
Interim General Manager James Jones admitted the timing is tough.
"The timing to make moves like this, there's never a perfect time," said Jones.
Earlier in the week, Suns Owner Robert Sarver called for the Suns to be the NBA's most improved team.
On Friday, it seemed that Jones wanted to reel in those expectations.
"Our focus as a team is to develop, it's not wins and losses," said Jones. "We can't define our season based on a win-loss total."
But for a team and a fan base craving more of the former, the pressure to get it done is intense. One area devoid of concern is rookie sensation Deandre Ayton.
Currently averaging 20 points, 11 rebounds and nearly three swats a game.
"I would argue and say that he's probably been the best player in the preseason, specifically for us, but league-wide," said Jones. "I try to remind everyone that we have Devin and we have Deandre and ultimately in this game, you need very good playmakers."
Jones was expectedly vague when it came to plans to acquire a starting caliber point guard, saying the team is full of playmakers.
"A point guard is extremely important to us but it's a five-man game, and if we can find ways to put our guys in positions to be successful, collectively as a whole we'll figure that out," said Jones.
But most likely backroom deals to snag a floor general are still in the works. Deals he'll have to manage with one of the most involved owners in the sport.
"Let's be real, Robert is extremely passionate, you know he's passionate about the Suns, he's a Phoenician, he loves this team, he loves this city, he loves these fans, and it matters to him," said Jones. "We want to win, and that's what we're focusing on."
The good news for Suns fans is Devin Booker is expected to be healthy for the season opener which kicks off next Wednesday against the Dallas Mavericks.
As management continues to wade through what players are still available, it is rumored Sarver and Jones met with free agent Jamal Crawford Friday at Suns HQ.
The 6-foot-5 guard is 38 years old and could offer the Suns a unique option at the point guard slot. He's a three-time sixth man of the year award winner and played 80 games for Minnesota last season.
