The Suns have been busy this offseason retooling their roster. Devin Booker is the only player from the 2021 NBA Finals team. Now flash forward to 2023 they are forming a new big 3 Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal to form one of the most explosive trios in the league. Phoenix also traded Deandre Ayton for Jusuf Nurkic and added roster depth with other moves, including adding veterans Eric Gordon, Grayson Allen, and Yuta Watanabe.
The Suns had been in talks with the Blazers since July and identified Nurkic as a key target. As they waited as Portland explored other trade options, but ultimately, the Suns were able to acquire the players they wanted and improved their depth.
Expectations for the Phoenix Suns after their Busy Offseason
The Suns have been busy this offseason retooling their roster with trades and signings
After trading Deandre Ayton for Nurkic was smart in my opinion. The Suns have been busy this offseason retooling their roster with several trades and free agent signings. They didn’t lose much production as they averaged around the same stats. Although Ayton is younger and has more potential he is a plug-and-play player and fits the culture. Ayton’s attitude and lack of energy on the court led to him being traded.
Nurkic is going to play his role, can guard, has a solid post-game, and is a productive pick and roller. He can fit a role at center position, and then his contract gives you more tradable pieces that you can move maybe closer to the trade deadline.
Mat Ishbia became the owner of the Phoenix Suns and made the move to acquire Kevin Durant. They have been actively pursuing trades to enhance their chances of winning the championship ever since. The Suns also brought in Frank Vogel, a defensive specialist, as their new head coach.
The Big 3
Booker, had a big rising playoff series last year, where he rose to the occasion he played a crucial role in the team’s success last year. Particularly in the playoffs where he had an outstanding performance with 34 points, 7.2 assists, and 1.7 steals last year in the playoffs? Absolutely monster numbers for Booker there, 59% from the field.
He and KD were instrumental in the series against the Denver Nuggets, winning two games. That was the most any team could take from the Nuggets in the playoffs. He also had an impressive 59% field goal percentage from three.
We all know about the greatness of KD. He is a 7-foot shooting guard and a cheat code on the court. He is a great player with impressive stats: 56% from the field, 38% from three, and 1.2 blocks.
Last year, Bradley Beal had impressive statistics, with 23.3 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.9 rebounds. The focus should be on his assists because, along with Devin Booker, they will have to be the primary playmakers since they don’t have a true point guard.
Jordan Goodwin might step up, but Beal and D Book will likely split the point guard duties. Although Beal is going into his age-30 season, he played 34 minutes per game last year and should still be in good shape. However, the team’s lack of a true point guard could hurt them down the stretch.
The Big 3 and who?
Who will be in starting five for the Phoenix Suns is still a question. The team will be an absolute offensive powerhouse and a headache to defend. Thanks to their incredible athleticism and scoring capabilities from players like Devin Booker, KD, and Bradley Beal.
With such a strong offense, there may not even be a need for a defensive scheme under the guidance of head coach Frank Vogel. Even without a specific plan in place, this team is more than capable of holding its own on the court. Plus, Vogel has experience leading championship teams, as he proved with the Los Angeles Lakers three years ago. He has a lot of experience pieces to work into his line up with because the Suns have been busy this offseason retooling their roster
Now, a couple of more underrated guys. Jordan Goodwin is the other player they brought over in the trade with Washington for Bradley Beal. He averaged 6.6 points in 3.3 rebounds last year in 17 minutes; he could help out at that point guard spot if needed.
While there are some concerns about the bench. Another possible option to round out the starting lineup is Josh Okogie has made steady improvements in his game. He increased his percentage for shooting the three towards the end of the season.
Eric Gordon is another veteran role player who will be a great addition to the Suns team. Last season he put up 11 points per game, 2.1 rebounds, and 46% field goal and 42% three-point shooting abilities. He will also be helpful with his scoring, despite being 34 years old he still has a lot left in the tank.
Underrated pickups
Also, another potential player to keep on the Suns’ radar is Bol Bol who deserves more recognition. He would benefit from having KD as his mentor, who had a great start last season before falling off. Bol Bol hopes for a bounce-back season and to live up to the hype and reach his potential. He helps the complete roster overhaul this year with a focus on length and athleticism to improve their defense.
Currently, they have Goodwin projected to be the backup point guard, but I still think this team will do well. He can w forgotten about with all the star power that’s on the roster. He was part of The Suns have been busy this offseason retooling their roster.
However, the Clippers and Lakers also have solid benches, I would still take the Sun’s starting lineup over anybody else. Overall, I think this Phoenix team has the potential to be a real threat this year.
Yuta Watanabe is also an underrated signing player for the Suns. He can have a big year playing alongside elite scorers he will get a lot of open shots. Watanabe stands 6 foot 8 and will be a great wing and can have a breakout here this year. He shoots 49% field goal and 45% three-point shooting abilities.
Drew Eubanks, averaged 6.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in limited minutes, plus 1.3 blocks 64% from the field. A solid year for him off the bench last year for the Blazers.
Can they win it all?
In my opinion, the Western Conference is stacked throughout, and several teams have a legitimate shot at winning the title. But I believe that the Suns have the star power as well as the supporting pieces that can get the job done. The Suns have been busy this offseason retooling their roster this summer and hope to be successful this next season. Although it won’t be easy far from a cake walk I can see them winning it all when it’s said and done.
