The Phoenix Suns were considered by many people to be a legitimate championship contender last summer when they traded for star guard Bradley Beal and added him to a roster that already included Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.
But for multiple reasons, they won a modest 49 games in the regular season and ended up getting swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
All of a sudden, there are rumors that Durant wants out and that the team could make a significant move, perhaps in order to acquire a legitimate point guard.
But owner Mat Ishbia said that the Suns’ starting lineup “is coming back” and that they “just need to make some adjustments,” per Cameron Cox.
Ishbia “our starting 5 is coming back, we just need to make some adjustments.” @12SportsAZ
— Cameron Cox (@CamCox12) May 1, 2024
Durant had yet another sensational season, but he struggled at times in the series versus Minnesota, and at age 35, his chances of winning a third NBA championship are running out.
Pundits have cited Phoenix’s lack of a true point guard as a major reason the team fell well short of expectations — it had to make do with Booker, who is a natural shooting guard, masquerading as a point guard.
It also has a relative lack of depth, and despite all its star power, it was only somewhat above average in multiple offensive categories.
Even worse, the Suns were a mediocre defensive team even though they hired head coach Frank Vogel, who has a reputation as a defensive mastermind, prior to this season.
Vogel is now rumored to be on the verge of being fired, but Ishbia hasn’t given any public indication at all that he could be on the hot seat.
NEXT:
Frank Vogel Gets Honest About Suns Being Swept In Playoffs