The Olympics are in the rearview mirror and NBA teams are beginning to prepare for training camps. We look at a Suns squad fresh off another postseason flameout as they look to maximise the twilight years of Kevin Durant’s Hall of Fame career. In these previews, we will take a look at each team’s key acquisitions, fantasy stars, and predicted finish.
Key Acquisitions
With Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal’s contracts all on the books, Phoenix were largely hamstrung in what they could do roster-wise but their front office were able to make some savvy moves around the margins.
Perhaps their most significant move came in the form of Mike Budenholzer who replaces Frank Vogel as head coach.
They helped shore up their point guard rotation with the additions of veterans Tyus Jones and Monte Morris whilst replacing Drew Eubanks with Miles Plumlee.
They also drafted Virginia’s Ryan Dunn and Marquette’s Oso Ighodaro – two rookies who will have the opportunity to compete for playing time.
Fantasy Stars
Durant is fresh off a year in which he put up 27.1 ppg, 6.6 rpg, and 5.0 apg on 62.6 TS% en route to an All-NBA 2nd Team nod.
Booker averaged 27.1 ppg, 4.5 rpg, and 6.9 apg on 61.1 TS% in 68 starts en route to an All-NBA 3rd Team nod.
Beal made just 53 appearances in his first year as a Sun averaging 18.2 ppg and 5.0 apg on a career-high 60.7 TS%.
Projected Finish
Phoenix went 49-33 a year ago with their Big 3 playing sparingly alongside one another.
Durant, Booker, and Beal played just 41 games together a year ago with the team going 26-15 in that stretch.
There is an obvious avenue towards improvement but there is not guarantee they spend more time on the floor together this year given their age and injury histories.
The Suns have more than enough talent to avoid the play-in and should do unless injuries hit.
