PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns are just weeks away from the start of training camp for the upcoming 2024-25 season — and there are some questions/narratives/beliefs we need to answer as the season approaches.
While the general consensus is that the Suns improved this summer, the degree to which they actually did so is in question — and many still believe it’s a no-win situation.
The Suns are expected to be in the 5-8 seed range in 2024-25, much like last season.
While that’s certainly a possible outcome, the additions of Tyus Jones and Monte Morris along with the hiring of Mike Budenholzer should lead the Suns to greener pastures through 82 games.
The most positive improvements should come in fourth-quarter performance and overall game-to-game consistency – with Budenholzer being hailed as a great regular-season coach.
Jones sent shockwaves through the NBA world three weeks ago when he decided to sign with Phoenix for the veteran minimum and announced he was eager to be a starter in a self-released statement.
Jones, the NBA’s all-time leading assist-to-turnover ratio, will be a player who can be used in a variety of lineups/situations, but starting seems like the inevitable outcome.
That will likely be the Opening Day arrangement – since Grayson Allen coming off the bench and being an option in the “shutdown” lineup is still on the table – but having Jones as a stabilizing presence to start games is probably the most prudent decision Budenholzer can make.
Trade rumors will likely surround Durant for the rest of his career, but it appears the NBA legend is quite content in Phoenix, playing alongside Devin Booker and the way Mat Ishbia has shaped the franchise.
Durant must also be tired of the false narratives of disloyalty — there are also no landing spots that offer a clearer path to a title than Phoenix — not the Houston Rockets, the Miami Heat, or even the Golden State Warriors.
Not only will Durant not be traded midseason, he’s more likely to spend the rest of his career in Phoenix than anywhere else.
