Suns’ Superteam Strategy Falls Short: Can Budenholzer Turn It Around?
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| Images: By Jacob Kupferman/getty Images |
A Humbling Reality for Phoenix’s Superstars
Despite the high hopes for Phoenix, the season ended in disappointment for the star trio. Kevin Durant and Devin Booker performed admirably, each averaging 27.1 points per game. Their offensive production was not the problem; it was the team’s inability to defend consistently and provide adequate support for its stars that led to their downfall.
Bradley Beal, on the other hand, struggled with injuries and the immense pressure that came with being the third piece of this high-profile trio. His inability to stay healthy and adjust to his new role as a ball-handler further limited Phoenix’s potential. This experience was a humbling one for the Suns’ stars and their new owner, Mat Ishbia, who believed that star power alone could carry the team to success.
Defensive Shortcomings and Lack of Depth
The Suns’ failure to win 50 games and their playoff collapse exposed the team’s lack of depth and defensive issues. These problems prevented them from capitalizing on their star-studded roster. Phoenix’s reliance on Durant, Booker, and Beal to shoulder most of the load, both offensively and defensively, took its toll as the season wore on.
It became clear that the Suns needed more than just star power to contend. The bench lacked the quality needed to support the big three, and their defense, particularly in the absence of a reliable interior presence, left much to be desired.
A New Era with Coach Mike Budenholzer
Following their disappointing season, the Suns made a bold move by parting ways with Frank Vogel, who had previously won a championship as a defense-focused coach with the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite his defensive mindset, the Suns’ performance on that end of the floor was lackluster, leading to Vogel’s dismissal.
Enter Mike Budenholzer, a proven championship coach with the Milwaukee Bucks. Budenholzer’s reputation for building well-rounded teams could be exactly what Phoenix needs to turn things around. His ability to maximize the talent around his stars and instill a defensive mentality may be the key to unlocking the Suns’ full potential.
Offseason Struggles: Navigating Cap Constraints
One of the biggest challenges facing the Suns is their financial situation. With Durant, Booker, and Beal set to earn a combined $150 million in the 2024-25 season, the Suns found themselves strapped for cash in the offseason. As a result, their only options were to look for affordable additions to fill the gaps in their roster.
Phoenix made a few notable moves to address their weaknesses, re-signing Royce O’Neale, a versatile forward, and bringing in Mason Plumlee to add some much-needed size to their frontcourt. Additionally, Markieff Morris and Tyus Jones were brought in to bolster the backcourt following the departure of Eric Gordon.
Spotlight on Tyus Jones: Phoenix’s New Floor General
Perhaps the most significant offseason addition was Tyus Jones. With the Suns desperately needing a functional point guard, Jones arrives as a key piece to alleviate some of the pressure on Booker, who handled point guard duties last season. While Booker performed admirably, averaging 6.9 assists per game, point guard is not his natural position, and the Suns needed someone to fill that role more effectively.
Jones, who averaged 12 points and 7.3 assists per game with the Washington Wizards last season, represents an upgrade for Phoenix. His ability to manage the offense and distribute the ball should allow Booker to focus more on scoring and relieve some of the pressure on Durant and Beal.
However, with the heightened expectations that come with joining a contender, Jones will need to prove that he can handle the pressure. His performance will be critical to Phoenix’s success in the upcoming season.
How Far Can the Suns Go in 2024-25?
The Suns’ success in the 2024-25 season will once again rest heavily on the shoulders of their big three—Durant, Booker, and Beal. If Durant and Booker can maintain their All-Star caliber play and Beal can stay healthy while delivering a consistent, high-level performance, Phoenix should remain in the mix as a legitimate contender.
Durant and Booker have proven their reliability and talent time and again, and if Beal can bounce back from his injury-riddled 2023-24 campaign, the Suns could pose a formidable threat in the Western Conference.
However, the key to their success will be how well Budenholzer can maximize the talent around these three stars. With a noticeable drop-off in talent outside of the core, Phoenix will need its role players—like Jones, O’Neale, Plumlee, and Morris—to step up and contribute consistently.
The Future of Superteams: Can Phoenix Prove They Still Work?
Phoenix’s success—or failure—this season may serve as a litmus test for the future of superteams in the NBA. In an era where balanced, well-constructed rosters seem to be gaining more favor, the Suns are one of the few remaining teams relying on a star-heavy approach.
If Budenholzer can get the most out of his three stars while finding ways to cover for the team’s weaknesses, Phoenix could demonstrate that superteams still have a place in the NBA. However, if the Suns once again fall short due to lack of depth and defensive issues, it may signal the beginning of the end for the superteam era in favor of more balanced and strategic team-building approaches.
Conclusion: Can the Suns Shine Again?
As the 2024-25 season approaches, all eyes will be on the Phoenix Suns. With a new coach, key offseason additions, and the potential for their stars to rebound, the Suns have the talent to compete at the highest level. Whether or not they can overcome their deficiencies and live up to expectations remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—this season will be crucial in determining the future of both the Phoenix Suns and the superteam model in the NBA.
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