As the Phoenix Suns remain in a playoff spot despite multiple injuries impacting their overall team performance, conversations are being had as to whether they are the most disappointing team in the NBA or not this year.
With the addition of Bradley Beal in the offseason, Phoenix created a so-called “super team” since they already had stars Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.
Instantly, the general thought from fans was that they were going to be at or near the top of the NBA come season’s end. On paper, everything was going to click, these three would stay healthy together, etc.
But as they sit sixth in the Western Conference with a 35-26 record, outside noise arises around if they are playing below expectations given the talent they have without considering injuries playing a key factor.
Analyst’s Take on Suns
When asked about this debatable topic, former NBA player and current ESPN NBA analyst JJ Redick gave his opinion on the matter.
“I think the disappointing part to me is we haven’t seen enough of them [Suns] all healthy and together,” Redick said. “Durant’s missed seven games, Booker’s missed 11 games, Beal has missed 29 games. Coming into the season, we talked a lot about how there were 10 really good basketball teams in the Western Conference. So given the amount of injuries that they’ve had, the fact they are sitting sixth place, that’s not a disappointing thing.”
“When they have been on the court together, they have been a damn good basketball team. The disappointing part is the injuries, not necessarily in the performance of the ‘Big 3’ when they’ve been together.”
"When they've been on the court together, they have been a damn good basketball team."@jj_redick is more disappointed by the Phoenix Suns' injuries than their performance ???? pic.twitter.com/fzrLLNYOSs
— First Take (@FirstTake) March 5, 2024
Redick doesn’t have an issue with how the Suns are playing on the court, but does believe constructing a team consisting of three marquee stars will impact the overall depth and skill of a roster as a whole.
“We knew this coming into the season, this is the problem with building superteams,” Redick said. “You are not going to have the depth to withstand one of your main guys getting hurt, especially in this conference. I am not disappointed given the injuries.”
Currently, the Suns will have to cope with one of their stars injured as Booker is out for at least a week with a right ankle sprain.
Tonight, Phoenix will try to snap a two-game losing streak minus Booker as they face the Denver Nuggets at 8 p.m. MST.
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Reporter Alec Cipollini covers Phoenix Sports News for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @AlecCipollini
