For the Suns, this year just needed to be better than last. Last year, they went with an overhaul, bringing in Bradley Beal as the third star, shipping out center Deandre Ayton, and hiring defensive coach Frank Vogel. Unfortunately, it did not work for the Suns. They were ultimately swept by the third-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Over this offseason, they discussed the plans for this team and decided a new coach could unlock this team’s full potential. Man, were they right!
The Suns have been dominant to the start of the season so far. A 5-1 record and tied for 2nd in the West is a big difference from last year’s squad. One key change for their success has been the coaching change. Adding Mike Budenholzer, a coach who is a better offensive coach, makes this team look more fluid on the offensive side. Furthermore, the team has also made some roster additions that have helped, but multiple players have shown an increased role with coach Bud at the helm. Let’s dive in and look at what has stood out with this team so far in their fantastic start.
Suns New Coach Mike Budenholzer is the Key to Success
Three-Point Volume & Percentage Increase
Mike Budenholzer made it known that once he was hired, this team would prioritize the three-ball. He stated on media day that players like Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker would go back into that three-point shooting style. Even players like Jusuf Nurkic and Ryan Dunn would get the chance to shoot more. For better and for worse, in some instances, it has helped the Suns. Let’s look and see if this has helped the team or made it worse.
Throughout six games, the Suns are averaging 40.1 three-point attempts (10th in the NBA). Additionally, they have made 15.3 of these attempts (6th in the NBA), shooting a 38.2% from three this season (6th in the NBA). If you compare this to last season’s stats, they were 25th in three-pointers attempted, 20th in three-pointers made, and shot 38.2% as a team, which was 5th in the league. Does anything stick out to you? The Suns are shooting the same exact percentage as they did last year, just on more attempts. This only proves how lethal this team can be offensively and how last year that was being hindered a bit.
Two Players Blossoming with Coach Bud
With this new change to their offense, the Suns now do not have to only rely on Grayson Allen from three-point range. They have had other players emerge and blossom to their best on this team. If you look at two wings, in Ryan Dunn and Royce O’Neale you can clearly see that.
Dunn has been viewed as the steal of the draft by many already. He has showcased his defensive prowess but also has tapped into the offensive side and can be a great 3&D wing for the future of this squad. Royce recently had a career-high 21 points while shooting 5/6 from the three-point line. If that doesn’t show you the growth with him in this new style of offense, I do not know what will.
The Last Word
Even though the season has just started, this Suns team is looking better and better every game. With this new roster and coaching staff, they have shocked many in the West. The Suns are making a name for themselves, and if they keep this up, Budenholzer could end up in Coach of the Year discussions. Let’s not overreact, though; we still have a lot of basketball left. For Suns fans, this start is the best-case scenario, and hopefully, it brings the franchise its first title.
