It’s easy to forget that the Phoenix Suns are still a great basketball team if you remember how they exited the 2024 postseason. The sweep they endured at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves was so shocking that it hit the stock of all the players and coaches in the Suns roster.
However, it still cannot be denied that Phoenix is still one of the most dangerous squads in the Western Conference. Kevin Durant is still one of the most efficient scorers in the association. Devin Booker can still shoot the lights out of the building. Bradley Beal, who took a step back last season, should become more comfortable to find his spot between his two superstar teammates.
The trio, alongside new head coach Mike Budenholzer, is widely expected to redeem themselves this season and attempt to make a deep run for the NBA Finals. It seems like one analyst agrees with the sentiment as he dissects the team’s chances in the West.
Analyst lists the Phoenix Suns as the fourth-best team in the Western Conference for the 2024-25 season
Sports Illustrated’s Kevin Hicks wrote a detailed piece predicting where the Western Conference teams would place at the end of the 2024-25 season.
While the rankings he gave some teams would make their fans mad, he gave Phoenix the fourth seed in the West. He explained that the team’s additions are good enough to erase the shame of their disappointing exit last spring:
The hiring of Mike Budenholzer, overhauling of the bench unit, and complete change in offensive philosophy will serve Phoenix well during the grind of the season.
It was evident during preseason play that this is a new Suns squad – the offense moved with infinitely more fluidity, the bench unit provides pointed services unlike the team of last year, and that Ryan Dunn could be an impact player from day one.
Dunn’s potential rise could be absolutely massive for Phoenix on both ends – it would be a massive victory if he shoots even league average from three-point range – and the defense he provides will be invaluable throughout the season.
Expect the Suns to be far more consistent and cohesive this season. That consistency will reflect in the standings.
The Suns were the tenth-best scoring team in the league last season, averaging 116.2 PPG. They were also decent on the boards and in the passing game, netting 44.0 RPG and 28.3 APG.
If Budenholzer transforms the team into an unstoppable force and the players execute his schemes perfectly, the Phoenix Suns will be a terrifying team to face for the rest of the league.
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