Before training camp in September, Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker visited New York to make the most of his free time. During his visit to New York, Booker surprised fans and even gifted some of them with free Nike Book 1 sneakers. The four-time All-Star showed fans some love before returning to his team and preparing for another season with his Big Three, but with a new coach in the person of Mike Budenholzer.

New York fans were also grateful to Booker for his time in the city. For example, X user @FlexFromJersey shared a positive response to the visit of the Suns’ rear.

“Devin Booker just pulled up on W 4th Street Court in Manhattan! You have no idea how big this is for these people, my friends! A lot of people talk about it, but actually doing it is a whole other story!” the user said in their post.

Suns guard visits the Big Apple

American guard and Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker (15) celebrates after defeating France in the men's basketball gold medal match during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games at Accor Arena.
© Rob Schumacher-Imagn Images

In addition to handing out Nike Book 1s to New York fans, Suns franchise player Devin Booker is looking ahead to a new season in a crowded Western Conference that nearly crushed the last edition of the NBA. The Big Three: Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.

Although the Suns made the playoffs last season, they looked overwhelmed against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Additionally, their offensive output was no match for the Wolves’ stifling defense, which swept them in dominant fashion. All but one of their wins came by double digits.

During the offseason, the team decided that Frank Vogel’s defensive philosophy didn’t fit with his players who liked to shoot the ball with the leather. Suns Can Vogel and replaced him with Mike Budenholzer, coach of the Bucks team that beat them in the 2021 Finals.

Still, the Suns aren’t a lost cause. Devin Booker is a certified playoff player, averaging 27.5 points and 6.0 assists in the 2024 playoffs. Likewise, Durant also put up 26.8 points and 6.5 rebounds in the sweep. Perhaps one of their problems is that Newly acquired Bradley Beal didn’t quite match their production, scoring just 16.5 points on 44.1 percent shooting.

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What went wrong with the Big 3?

The risk of building a team with a top-tier roster is that Booker, Durant and Beal will have to give their all in every game to give the team a chance to win. While Durant and Booker are good enough to overcome opponents’ defensive schemes, Beal hasn’t proven he can break down defenses in a playoff series.

Teams prefer to let Durant and Booker each play 40 minutes in isolation on the wing if they can shut down the rest of the team. This is not like the Heat of old who made LeBron James their offensive pivot, either passing to their shooters or calling his own shot.

Recognizing this need, the Suns sign Tyus Jones to help set the table for the trio. However, is this addition enough to help the Suns overcome the challenge of the Western Conference?

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