The State of the Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns are poised for another good season

With the start of the 2022-23 season just around the corner, fans are wondering where do the Phoenix Suns go from here? In 2020 they went undefeated in the bubble only to miss the playoffs. In 2021 they made it all the way to the finals, only to lose four straight games to the Milwaukee Bucks. In 2022 they had the best record in the NBA and No.1 seed and lost in Game 7 in the second round to the Dallas Mavericks. It wasn’t just a narrow loss, the Suns were downright embarrassed. To make matters more concerning, there was a lot of drama this offseason surrounding the team. It’s hard to tell what direction the Suns are heading.

Phoenix Suns shooting for consistency

It seems general manager James Jones has taken a page out of Steve Keim’s playbook and opted to retain the Sun’s core players. The Suns did not pick up anyone notable in free agency but did re-sign DeAndre Ayton. The Sun’s bench did not perform well during the playoffs and you would think they would be looking to make some upgrades. Perhaps the reason for the lack of moves is because of Kevin Durant.

Before NBA free agency kicked off, superstar Kevin Durant requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets. This sent NBA Twitter into a frenzy, especially Suns fans after it was reported Phoenix was high on the preferred destination list. It seemed James Jones’s primary focus was landing Kevin Durant. A player like Durant comes with a hefty price tag. The cost would more than likely have been Mikal Bridges, another player, and draft picks. Ultimately, Durant chose to stay in Brooklyn. Now the Suns are going into training camp with no major improvements to their roster.

Suns haven’t been without their share of controversy

On media day, the members of the team were hit with a lot of uncomfortable questions. The Robert Sarver situation was a major topic of discussion but it did not overshadow some other hot topics. DeAndre Ayton’s contract was brought up and it still seems like it might be a touchy subject. When asked about his contract and staying with the Phoenix Suns, Ayton seemed to lack emotion. What was even more concerning is that he said he has not spoken to coach Monty Williams since he was benched in Game 7 of the playoffs. When the media asked about the situation his answers were short and he kept reiterating the fact that they have not spoken. In fairness to Ayton, I’m sure it’s tough to sit there with cameras in your face and seem enthused about answering awkward questions. Fans still can’t help but wonder what the dynamic will be like between Williams and Ayton and if it’s going to affect the team.

Days before training camp started Jae Crowder tweeted (then deleted) that he will not be in attendance. It seems like the relationship between Crowder and the Suns has soured. It has been reported that Crowder was seeking an extension but instead, the Suns will be starting Cam Johnson over him. Now the team is looking for a trade partner and hopes to get this done before opening night. It’s never a good look when a player goes public with their dissatisfaction with their current employer. Crowder’s feelings are valid though, he feels he should be a starter somewhere. Love him or hate him, Crowder did play a key role for the team in his time in Phoenix. His veteran experience and defense will be missed.

Arizona sports fans are used to doom and gloom but there are some things to be hopeful for this season. Even though the Suns didn’t make a splash in free agency, all the fan favorites are still here to try to run it back. Aside from Crowder, no one is tweeting out “I don’t wanna be here” (looking at you Eric Bledsoe). We get to see Cam Johnson ascend and we don’t have to see Mikal Bridges in another team’s jersey. Devin Booker will continue to be elite and perhaps make an MVP campaign. Chris Paul is on the back end of his career and should be motivated now more than ever to win that elusive championship. If Monty Williams is the coach I think he is, he can mend the relationship with DeAndre Ayton.

Overall, if the players can bring the heat and the vibes can stay immaculate, there shouldn’t be anything to worry about. The Phoenix Suns have come a long way from what they used to be. The dark cloud that was Robert Sarver is gone and now the Suns can shine.