Once heralded as contenders, the Phoenix Suns are facing significant challenges as they grapple with their recent performance issues. After several rebuilding years, the Suns made headlines by advancing to the NBA Finals in 2021, only to fall to the Milwaukee Bucks. Since then, the franchise has made aggressive moves, acquiring high-profile players like Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Nevertheless, many analysts believe the team's talent acquisition strategy is faltering.
Brian Windhorst, an analyst for ESPN, commented on the Suns’ questionable roster-building strategies. "People around the league say they are great at attracting talent but poor at assembling cohesive teams," Windhorst remarked. Currently, the Suns are the highest payers of salaries within the NBA, spending approximately $214 million annually, which puts them $25 million over the second luxury tax threshold. This financial commitment brings certain restrictions, such as being unable to actively participate in the market for waived players and limited options to leverage their top draft pick for future trades.
The Suns’ acquisition of Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets promised much, but the results have been mixed. Although the team performed admirably during the 2022 playoffs, reaching the conference semi-finals against eventual champions, the factors were often complicated due to injuries. Expectations were high for the following season, particularly with the anticipation of forming a powerful trio with Durant, Devin Booker, and Beal. The reality, though, turned out to be different.
After trading several draft picks to bring Beal from the Wizards, the Suns’ Big 3 struggled to find chemistry, leading to disappointing playoff outcomes. Last season, the Suns faced elimination early, completing the year with just 25 wins out of 50 games, showcasing a troubling trend. That was compounded by the reality of Beal holding a clause allowing him to veto trades, limiting the Suns’ flexibility as they attempted to shake up their roster.
Compounding their difficulties, the Suns recently fell short against the Oklahoma City Thunder, who triumphed 140-109 on January 5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge for the Thunder with 50 points, delivering another stellar performance against the beleaguered Suns. The game was marked by Phoenix's inability to maintain ball security, giving up 22 turnovers compared to the Thunder’s six, which proved disastrous, particularly during the third quarter when the Suns were outscored 43 to 16.
Meanwhile, the Suns’ struggles have become increasingly pronounced without key players on the court. Kevin Durant’s absence due to injury significantly undermined the team’s ability to mount offense. Devin Booker, the franchise's all-time leading scorer, had just 19 points against OKC, primarily relying on free throws to tally his score, as the Suns struggled to forge their offensive identity.
Continuous defensive lapses have prevented the Suns from recovering. Following the defeat against the Thunder, they have now suffered through three consecutive losses, placing them precariously at the tenth position within the Western Conference. They now find themselves tied with the Sacramento Kings and marking time with the Golden State Warriors.
Despite the difficulties, there remains hope for the Suns. The upcoming game against the Utah Jazz presents another opportunity to reverse their fortunes. The Jazz, presently struggling themselves with a record of 12-37, have encountered challenges of their own and represent a potential turning point for Phoenix to regain some much-needed momentum.
Before the Suns' match against the Jazz on January 6, the team announced several changes to their lineup to adjust for personnel limitations. Grayson Allen, who has been battling injuries but has shown promise, and newcomer Vasa Micić, are expected to fill significant roles. The Suns previously defeated Utah three times earlier this season, and they'll aim to maintain dominance over the Jazz as they look for consistency and cohesion on the court.
Historically, the Suns have boasted strong performances anchored by key players, but their future hinges on their ability to build around Booker, Beal, and Durant effectively. The team's management faces the tough task of re-evaluing their strategy, balancing talent acquisition with the need for cohesiveness on the court.
Overall, as the season progresses, the stakes continue to rise for the Phoenix Suns, who must navigate challenges both on and off the court. The coming games will be telling as they strive to determine their identity and secure victories within the fiercely competitive NBA.