The face of the franchise’s mindset could lead to better season than a year ago.
The expectations were high in the Valley a season ago.
After years of avoiding the tax, and lacking star power, the Phoenix Suns looked like one of the best teams in the NBA. Sure, they were a top-four seed in the NBA the previous three seasons, but the acquisition of Bradley Beal in the 2023 offseason, Kevin Durant’s first full year as a member of the Suns, and new owner Mat Ishbia’s seemingness to do whatever it takes to bring the franchise it’s first Larry O’Brien Trophy brought a new essence to the Valley never felt before.
There was hope that, for once, the Suns might not just be good but a legit force to be reckoned with, considering their potent offensive trio of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal.
The Suns got off to a slow start, losing games they had no business doing, turning the ball over like they didn’t care, and the Big 3 were rarely — if ever — on the court together. As the season went on, the Suns would improve. Bradley Beal started to consistently be in the lineup, and the addition of Royce O’Neale added much-needed depth and wing defense.
Phoenix finished the year 35-18 in their last 53 games and 27-14 when the Big 3 was in the lineup. Still, there were moments of bewilderment to the viewer, like when they inexplicably lost to the Spurs without Victor Wembanyama in late March. Despite the better play, it became clear that the team predicted by many before the year to dominate the league wasn’t this team.
To conclude their wonky and disappointing season, the Valley was handled by the blossoming Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves in four games in the first round of the playoffs, leading to head coach Frank Vogel’s dismissal.
To get this season off to a good start, Devin Booker is making sure people know he has not forgotten how last season ended.
“I think going out in the fashion that we did is something that you don’t wanna just blow by and act like it never happened,” Devin Booker said at Media Day earlier this week about last season’s ending. “We have that terrible experience under our belt and use it for motivation from here on out”
As the team’s longest-tenured player and face of the franchise, his willingness to look at last year and how the season ended can become an important ingredient for the Suns’ recipe for success this year.
Unlike last season, many are doubters of the Suns, thinking that they are heading towards another underwhelming season. Booker’s comments highlight an awareness and an acceptance of last year. With many key players returning from a year ago, the team, not just Booker, has an opportunity to show their grit and resilience from failure. Just like many recent title teams, they had to be knocked down first before they could ascend. The Boston Celtics lost in 5 games in the first round just three years ago, and they just won the trophy.
The Suns are unproven, and rightfully are doubted by many, but Booker’s recognition and acceptance of how last season ended, is a mindset that can lead the Suns into a successful season.