Over/Under: Phoenix Suns 2023-24

PHOENIX SUNS: 51.5 WINS – UNDER Key Additions Frank Vogel (coach) Bradley Beal (trade) Eric Gordon (free agency) Jusef…

PHOENIX SUNS: 51.5 WINS – UNDER

Key Additions

Frank Vogel (coach)Bradley Beal (trade)Eric Gordon (free agency)Jusef Nurkic (trade)Bol Bol (free agency)Yuta Watanabe (free agency)Nassir LIttle (trade)Grayson Allen (trade)Drew Eubanks (free agency)

Key Subtractions

Monty Williams (coach)Chris PaulDeandre AytonLandry ShametCam PayneJock LandaleTorrey Craig

Rotation

GuardsDevin Booker, Bradley Beal, Eric Gordon, Keon JohnsonWingsJosh Okogie, Grayson Allen, Damion LeeForwardsKevin Durant, Yuta Watanabe, Nassir Little, Keita Bates-DiopBigsJusef Nurkic, Drew Eubanks, Bol Bol

Random thoughts, opinions, comments, declarations, queries, editorials, etc.

The ‘06-’07 Boston Celtics were led by Paul Pierce, Al Jefferson, Wally Szcerbiak, and a very young Rajon Rondo. The ‘07-’08 Celts were led by Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Rondo, James Posey, and Kendrick Perkins. This is the only team in the modern history of the league to turn over such a large portion of the roster and then immediately win a ch’ip. It really never happens. To win in the NBA, you need more than just talent. Continuity & chemistry make the difference between great teams and champion teams. The Suns had the busiest offseason of anyone, and they’ll be a threat, no doubt. But I think the year they make a real run is the ‘24-’25 season, after they’ve had time to gel. 

Sidenote: The Phoenix Suns have arguably the most physically talented team in the league, DESPITE the fact that they wasted their 2020 lottery pick on Jalen Smith (passing on Haliburton), and traded away the 2018 #1 overall pick Deandre Ayton (passing on Luka Doncic) for role players. These are the types of decisions that get people fired. They easily could have a lineup consisting of Luka Doncic, Tyrese Haliburton, Devin Booker, & Kevin Durant right now. How James Jones still has a job is beyond me. 

Last Year – Interesting Stats

4-9 in games decided by 3 points or less (sign of lack of cohesion)8-0 in the 8 regular season games KD played in before he was hurtDevin Booker averaged 28, 5, & 55th in blocked shotsSince returning from the achilles injury, KD has played in 137 out of 246 games

Keys to Success

KD’s health, Beal’s health, Vogel gets his stars to play defense, role players like Yuta, Nassir, Okogie, & Gordon become real threats, Nurkic proves that he still has something left in the tank, they all can fast-forward their chemistry

Potential Obstacles

Time – will they have enough minutes on the court together to truly be a threat in the playoffs, history – it’s rare for teams to turn over their entire roster and immediately become ch’ip contenders. KD’s health

Hot takes

Nurkic misses half the season with injuriesKD misses even moreBeal has his best season as a proYuta is the team’s 4th best playerDrew Eubanks plays crunch time minutes over Nurkic

STANDINGS PREDICTION: 7TH IN THE WEST