Why Phoenix Suns need more than Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal to
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LAS VEGAS — The Phoenix Suns may have another move or two up their sleeve this summer.
They’ve already had a rather busy offseason.
Firing coach Monty Williams. Hiring Frank Vogel.
Trading for Bradley Beal. Trading away Chris Paul.
Signing guys at veteran minimums when they’re over the second tax apron of $182.5 million.
Landing Eric Gordon. Finally.
The Suns have had a successful offseason, but anything short of a championship at the end of the 2023-24 season will be a disappointment for a team with three prolific scorers, a talented big man and depth.
Can this group win it all?
Depends.
Suns will win an NBA championship with this roster if …
Suns must stay healthy
Health is always a concern, but especially for the Suns. Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Beal have dealt with injuries throughout their careers.
So, let’s just say their Big 3 plays close to 60 games together and are healthy come playoff time.
Defending also is a given. New head coach Frank Vogel brings a defensive philosophy that should improve a team that ranked 13th out of 16 teams in the playoffs this past season.
Being healthy and playing solid defense certainly will help Phoenix’s championship cause.
Durant probably has two great years left. He’ll turn 35 in September.
Father time is undefeated, even against the greatest ones, but the Suns need Durant to have one of those seasons that reminds the league just how special he is.
Beyond that, Phoenix’s championship hopes hinge on three other things.
Booker the playmaker must thrive
You’d think bringing in better players would lessen his load, but Booker will have to do even more in playing the lead guard role.
Booker is as prepared for this as he’s ever been at any point in his career.
Former coach Earl Watson put the ball in his hands. Williams did so to make him a more complete player.
Booker watched and learned from one of the best to ever set a table in Paul, who is third all-time in assists. Now it’s time for Booker to put those experiences into practice and make plays.
He’ll still get his points. No worries there. His ability to score will create opportunities for others.