Barkley: The Suns “got no identity and no leadership.” And he’s right.

Until we see it, it’s true.

Leadership. It’s something I’m sure I’ve said on here before, and it’s because I 100% believe it to be true: Talent without leadership is wasted talent. You can sift through all the numbers, the shooting percentages, the home/away splits, and the assist-to-turnover ratios you want. And here at Bright Side, we have. But it is my belief that the primary reason the Phoenix Suns did not succeed last year was due to a lack of internal leadership and identity.

One might assume that the mantle of leadership naturally rests on the shoulders of the head coach. In many cases, this holds true. However, a coach’s guidance has its limits. True leadership requires players to not only absorb the coach’s wisdom but also translate that advice into decisive action on the court.

It’s possible that last season’s Suns locker room was a toxic environment, preventing Vogel from instilling his leadership philosophies. A team that either lacked respect for him or resisted being led would naturally create a barrier to any meaningful influence he could exert. Was this the case for the 2023-24 Suns? We may never know.

As we gear up for the new season, the excitement is palpable. I feel it in my bones. I’ve resisted, but I can’t help it. Despite the looming challenges of the second apron tax restrictions, I believe the Suns had an exceptional off-season. They not only brought in two point guards but also infused the roster with youth and made the decision to waive Nassir Little.

But all of that is a moot point if the team doesn’t have a leader on the court.

As talented as Kevin Durant may be, the leadership role is not one that he embraces. When questioned about it last season, he deflected. He pointed out that the coach should be the leader.

This observation by KD goes beyond just a surface-level understanding of Durant’s mindset. It speaks to the essence of his game: pure, unadulterated passion for basketball. Durant’s focus on playing the game, rather than being the vocal leader or strategic mastermind, highlights both his strengths and limitations. He’s the kind of player who lets his performance do the talking, leading by example with his scoring ability, work ethic, and dedication on the court.

However, in the world of professional sports, especially in a team setting like the NBA, success is often built on more than just individual talent. Leadership, in its various forms, is crucial for galvanizing a team, maintaining morale, and navigating the ups and downs of a grueling season. This isn’t to say that Durant lacks influence; rather, it suggests that his style might not fit the traditional mold of a leader who rallies the troops or dictates the flow of the locker room.

In essence, while Durant’s “just ball” mentality drives his excellence, it also leaves a gap in the leadership department, one that must be filled by others if a team aspires to reach the pinnacle of success. The balance between raw talent and strong leadership is delicate, and finding the right mix is often what separates a good team from a championship team.

Charles Barkley was on The Bill Simmons Podcast recently and noted that the lack of a clear leader is a challenge the Phoenix Suns must overcome. Starting at the 30:21 mark…

“My Suns,” Barkley began. “They got no identity and no leadership. You gotta have a style of play. You gotta have leadership. The Suns have not proven they can do that yet.”

“[Booker] is a terrific player,” he continued. “The whole dynamic of the team changed when KD and Beal came there. Now, they gotta have leadership. He’s (Booker) gotta take the leadership role. I think he’s reluctant because assume that KD’s the best player. Kevin has said he don’t want to be a leader. He just wants to play basketball.”

“I challenged Booker last year. It’s gotta be Booker. He’s gotta take a serious leadership role. People are gonna listen to him because he’s a great player, but he’s gotta become more of a leader. Gotta be more of a vocal leader. Then we’re gonna see what happens with the Suns.”

Barkley’s insight cuts to the heart of what could be the defining factor for the Suns’ success in 2024-25. Phoenix has assembled a roster brimming with talent. But the presence of star players alone isn’t enough to propel a team to a championship. The Suns’ recent postseason performances have shown flashes of brilliance, but also exposed cracks in their foundation, particularly in moments of adversity where a strong, unifying voice was absent.

Devin Booker, the team’s most consistent and longest-tenured star, is naturally being looked upon to fill this void. Barkley’s challenge to Booker is not just about stepping up on the court, where Booker has already proven himself as one of the league’s elite scorers. But about evolving into the emotional and strategic leader that the team desperately needs.

Barkley’s point also suggests that leadership is more crucial for the Suns than for many other teams. With Durant’s “just ball” mentality, Booker’s leadership could be the glue that holds everything together. His ability to grow into this role could determine whether the Suns remain perennial contenders or truly ascend to the ranks of NBA champions.

Booker embracing this responsibility would signify a crucial shift in his career, from being a great player to becoming the kind of leader who not only excels individually but also elevates those around him. It’s a challenge, but one that, if met, could solidify his legacy and define the next chapter of the Phoenix Suns.

Remember last season, in the final 10 games, when Bradley Beal began to emerge as a leader? When the team struggled, he stepped up, bringing a sense of accountability. And when they won, you could see it in the way the bench players gathered around him during post-game interviews, celebrating together. It was a glimpse of something that had been missing all season: true leadership.

As we gear up for the season, the uncertainty surrounding the team’s leader is concerning.

The leader doesn’t have to be the highest-paid player; what matters is someone who can hold the team accountable, lead by example, stay composed in moments of adversity, and lift others up when they’re down. Leadership in the NBA is multifaceted; it’s about setting the tone, being the player your teammates look to in crunch time, and carrying the weight of expectations both on and off the court. For Booker, this means transitioning from a role where he has primarily been a dynamic scorer, to one where he takes ownership of the team’s direction and identity.

Does Devin Booker have that capability? Has he ever truly been the leader Phoenix needs?

Now is his chance to answer these questions definitively. He’s in his prime, surrounded by a roster built for his success on the court. But it’s the intangibles that matter most now. What we’re looking for from Booker is the fortification of an identity, a sense of purpose that goes beyond scoring and highlights. This is where leadership is forged. Not just in stats, but in moments of adversity and triumph. With Mike Budenholzer at the helm, there’s hope that Booker can develop this critical aspect of his game, shaping both himself and the team into something greater.

Talent without leadership is wasted talent.