Whereas many basketball followers are fixated on expertise and might imagine probably the most gifted groups win championships, that isn’t at all times the case on the NBA stage.
Over the past couple of years, one NBA staff has had nearly as a lot star energy as every other, nevertheless it has didn’t be rather more than a mediocre squad.
The Phoenix Suns had been anticipated by many to grow to be contenders after they traded for Kevin Durant two years in the past and adopted up that commerce with one for star guard Bradley Beal in the course of the summer season of 2023.
However they’ve virtually nothing to indicate for each offers, and proper now, they’re in grave hazard of lacking the play-in event, particularly after Kevin Durant suffered an ankle damage on Sunday and is anticipated to overlook not less than one week of motion.
ESPN persona Stephen A. Smith had some harsh phrases for the Suns on “First Take.”
“The Phoenix Suns are an atrocity. They’re dangerous for basketball.”
“The Phoenix Suns are an atrocity. They’re dangerous for basketball.”
—@stephenasmith 😯 pic.twitter.com/JE8DdUqrFG
— First Take (@FirstTake) March 31, 2025
Optimism was excessive for the Suns upon Durant’s arrival, however they solely obtained so far as the second spherical of the playoffs in 2023 and suffered a first-round sweep by the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves final yr.
They began 9-2 this season, however accidents and poor play precipitated their document to drop pretty rapidly, and so they’re now in eleventh place within the Western Convention with a 35-40 document.
Irrespective of how this season seems for the Suns, they’re anticipated to commerce the 36-year-old Durant this summer season, which suggests they could possibly be in rebuilding mode simply months from now.
NEXT: Insider Reveals How A lot Time Kevin Durant Will Miss With Harm