Last season, the Phoenix Suns finished with a 49-33 record. Additionally, they entered the playoffs as the No. 6 seed, which was considered a disappointment due to their high expectations heading into the year. Ultimately, they got swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round. Last summer, the Suns acquired Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards. Paired next to Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, Beal was expected to make the Suns an unstoppable force on offense. While they were still a good team, the Suns were underwhelming. On the year, they finished ninth in Offensive Rating and 10th in points per game. However, despite their underwhelming campaign last season, the Suns are still in title contention. And apparently, Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett has high hopes for the team.
Recently, Garnett spoke about people in the NBA world who are doubting the Suns. Furthermore, he said the Suns will be “better than what most” people believe.
“That means something,” Garnett said. “That means they’re in a rhythm. I’m telling you, bro. Phoenix is going to be better than what most (people think).”
Additionally, the former Boston Celtics forward said he believes star Devin Booker “can be an MVP.”
Kevin Garnett on the Phoenix Suns:
Paul Pierce: “What seed were they? 6?”
Kevin Garnett: “Yup.. and that was so called terrible year for them.”
Kevin Garnett: “Devin Booker can be an MVP, you know what i’m sayin. Beal he can be an MVP. These guys, they got it bro.” pic.twitter.com/viLQug6KLU
— CantGuardBook (@CGBBURNER) August 28, 2024
Kevin Garnett Makes Bold Claim About Suns Star
Devin Booker Has Slim Odds to Win MVP in 2025
According to BetMGM, Booker (+10000) is not a favorite to take home the MVP award next year. Currently, the Suns star has worse betting odds than players like Victor Wembanyama, Jalen Brunson, and his teammate Durant. Last season, the Kentucky alum enjoyed a solid campaign. In 68 games, Booker averaged 27.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and a career-high 6.9 assists. Additionally, he shot 49.2% from the field and 36.4% from beyond the arc. Last season was also Booker’s fourth career All-Star selection, and his first since the 2021-22 season. He also made the All-NBA Third Team.
In 2022, Booker finished fourth in MVP voting that year. Despite not winning the award, he has been in the conversation before. Of course, at that time, the Suns ended with a 64-18 record and were the reigning Western Conference champions. Still, Booker is an incredibly talented player, and after winning a gold medal with Team USA during the 2024 Paris Olympics, he may be a player to keep an extra eye on next season.
The Last Word on Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns
Booker winning an MVP award next season is highly unlikely. He is a great player, but the competition is way too intense for the guard to win the award. Regardless, he and the Suns should be better next season. This summer, the team signed Tyus Jones to be their full-time point guard. The biggest criticism of last year’s Suns team was their lack of a true point guard. With Jones on the roster now, this should no longer be a problem. Whether the Suns can truly win a title next year remains unclear. However, they are a team that has what it takes to do so.
