Are the Phoenix Suns “Good”?
Please win 30+ games this year.
Maybe it’s this undying hope to see Devin Booker play for a somewhat competent team but I like this Suns team. In Devin Booker’s first four seasons, he’s had five different starting point guards. With little to no consistency in the lineups, he’s had about the same consistency in his coaching staff. Going into year five, this is also coach number five. With all that being said, Booker has continued to be one of the best guards in basketball.
With career averages of 21.4 points per game, 3.5 rebounds per game, and 4.2 assists, there isn’t much Booker can’t do. All he needs is help, some talent around him to the point he isn’t having to go one on five on every possession. After years of tanking, or blatantly being the worst team in the NBA, the Suns might have found themselves a future All-Star to put next to D-Book.
While the Suns front office has missed on many, and I mean many, draft picks, they seemed to hit with the first overall pick in Deandre Ayton. The seven footer had a sneaky good rookie season. The world may have been focused on Luka and Trae Young but Ayton was putting up 16 and 10 on nearly 60% shooting and it seemed as if no one batted an eye. With the acquisition of veteran point guard Ricky Rubio, Ayton has touched on what Rubio brings to the table. Noticing how Rubio is able to run an offense while motivating Ayton to be more active defensively. This should be satisfying for all Suns fans knowing their is a true point guard that is holding his teammates accountable at all times.
As I look up and down this roster, it’s obvious to see they’ve improved. Adding players like Dario Šarić, Frank Kaminsky, and Aaron Baynes bring some veteran leadership to what has been a relatively young team, which was costly for them last year. In 33 separate games the Suns either led or trailed by 5 points or less. Of those 33 games, only 12 of them resulted in a win. Having a player like Rubio or even Dario will certainly be helpful for the younger Suns players. The importance of veteran leadership is often forgotten and it seems like the Suns addressed that issue this summer.
Listen, I have been extremely critical of this Suns organization over the last year or two. From the way they handled draft day this year all the way to not making a more valiant effort at D’Angelo Russell, the Suns have constantly found a way to disappoint me. Even though I don’t expect much from the Suns or their front office, I was actually a fan of their offseason, minus that horrendous draft day.
They were quietly active in the offseason and although questionable moves were made, I can say that their offseason was a success for the most part. Dario stepping into this offense is really important in my eyes. Going back to his EuroLeague days, Dario showed his potential to execute in an offensive set as a playmaker. He’s a smart player with the ball in his hands and I’m hoping to see Monty Williams give him more freedom within the offense.
Other than Dario Šarić and Ricky Rubio, this Suns team has sneaky good talent. The sophomore year of Mikal Bridges is something I’m really looking forward to seeing. He’s established himself to be one of the best perimeter defenders from his draft class. He gives the Suns a lot of flexibility because he can play either the two or the three but I wouldn’t be surprised to see them play small ball and roll him out as the four. In addition to Bridges, the Suns retained 23-year old forward Kelly Oubre Jr.. Let’s be honest, the Suns FLEECED the Wizards. In the 40 games with the Suns, Oubre shined in Phoenix. Putting up 17 points per game while shooting 45% from the field in 30 minutes per game. He’s the perfect wing to put next Devin Booker. Isn’t co-dependent and has the tools in his arsenal to go and create for himself. For the first time in quite some time, there is actually some depth for the Suns this season.
While the Suns aren’t expected to win 40 games, I’m curious to see if they can make a jump like the 2019 Sacramento Kings. Devin Booker is on record saying he’s done missing the playoffs and even though I love Booker, I’m wondering if Devin Booker is ready to win ball games.
This is a challenge. A challenge for Devin Booker to not only have a career year but to put this Suns team on the map. I understand the inconsistency within the Suns organization but this year he’s got more talent around him and has Deandre Ayton going into his sophomore season. This is the year where Devin Booker needs to not only solidify himself as a bonafide All-Star but a true leader. I believe in Booker, do you?
Tweet me your Phoenix Suns expectations @brockdickerson0.
