The Phoenix Suns’ season has not gone according to the fanbase’s expectations or the front office this year. Entering the All-Star break with a record of 26-28 is atrocious. Regarding the talent the Suns have on this roster and hiring a former NBA champion coach, you would think the issues would have evaporated from last year. Well, that’s not the case. It has gotten worse for this team in every category since last season. That said, the Suns still need to compete for a playoff chance, as they do not own their first-round pick. This team will still look to compete with its fractured roster in this stacked Western conference. So, let’s dive in and discuss three players to look out for with the Suns in the second half of the season.
Phoenix Suns at the All-Star break, this season vs. last season: pic.twitter.com/fgoWuZBEow
— Shane Young (@YoungNBA) February 13, 2025
3 Players to Watch for the Suns’ Second Half of the Season
Bol Bol to the Rescue
Bol Bol has been the silver lining for the Phoenix Suns in this recent drama. He re-signed this summer on a one-year deal but barely got to play this season. Even with the abundance of injuries this team suffered, he just recently got the amount of playing time to warrant him a rotation spot. The main question is, why did it take so long? Bol averaged 11.5 PPG, 5 RPG, and 1 APG this month alone. He has been the missing rebounder and size the Suns have been looking for ever since they gave Jusuf Nurkic those DNPs.
The wild thing is that this could have been solved months ago. Bol has shown spurts of being talented this season but never was rewarded with the playing time. With the Suns gripping for their playoff lives, though, they finally started to play Bol and proved he belongs in the rotation. By looking at this, it shows coach Budenholzer does not trust his roster as much as the fanbase, which is alarming. Keep an eye on Bol Bol, as he has been the bright spot for the team and can bring some fun back to the game for our fans.
Cody Martin: Josh Okogie 2.0
This Sun’s second-half acquisition they traded for has yet to suit up, but it should be exciting when he does. Who am I talking about? Well, that would be Cody Martin. Martin was brought in via the Nurkic trade with the Charlotte Hornets. He brings some size and defensive pressure to the wing position, which is needed. Martin states that he is like a “Swiss army knife” and can “plug and play” to help in any situation. I see him as valuable, as the Suns need anyone to help. By trading Josh Okogie away, they lost the defensive pressure, and with rookie Ryan Dunn barely getting played, too, it has left a lot to ask on this team.
Kevin Durant
This one is no surprise, but the leading player, in my eyes, is Kevin Durant. After all the talks about trading him and everything, he is the main one to watch. Not only for how he plays and how seriously he takes the game, but also for how he looks after the games. We all know what KD can do for this team. The question is, now, what will the team do for KD? Will they put this work in to show they still want to compete, or will they roll over for this second half? I am hoping that they will perform for the man. The Suns will compete and try to make a push for the playoffs.
The Last Word
Ultimately, the Suns are in a corner that they dug themselves into. Will they be able to overcome this? No one knows. But if you do want to enjoy the games, these are the players to watch during the Suns’ second half of the season.
Photo credit: © Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
