Suns build around Booker, Durant and Beal as they chase the first title in franchise history

2023-10-20 22:46

Mat Ishbia has been the owner of the Suns for less than a year, and there have already been seismic changes to the roster

PHOENIX SUNS

Last season: 45-37, reached Western Conference semifinals

Coach: Frank Vogel (First season with Suns; 12th season overall, 431-389)

What to expect: Mat Ishbia has been the owner of the Suns for less than a year, and there have already been seismic changes to the roster. Three-time All-Star Devin Booker is the only player left from the franchise's run to the 2021 NBA Finals, and he's emerged as one of the league's premier scorers. He'll be joined by Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, giving Phoenix a trio of stars that should match up well with just about anyone in the league. The Suns continued their rebuild right up until preseason training camp, dealing former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton to the Trail Blazers in exchange for a package that included Jusuf Nurkic. There's also almost an entirely new cast of role players, including shooters like Eric Gordon and Grayson Allen. Finally, the Suns also have a new coach in Frank Vogel, who led the Lakers to a title in 2020. Vogel has a defensive reputation and it'll be interesting to see how he meshes with an offensive-minded roster. Phoenix might have a few growing pains early in the season, but health willing, this looks like a roster that could play deep into the postseason. The Suns are still hunting for their first title in franchise history, which started in 1968.

Departures: Ayton, Darius Bazley, Bismack Biyombo, Torrey Craig, Jock Landale, Chris Paul, Cameron Payne, Terrence Ross, Landry Shamet, T.J. Warren.

Additions: Beal, Chimezie Metu, Udoka Azubuike, Bol Bol, Gordon, Drew Eubanks, Keita Bates-Diop, Yuta Watanabe, Jordan Goodwin, Nasir Little, Nurkic, Allen, Keon Johnson.

Player to watch: Beal. The 30-year-old has been a prolific scorer in the league for more than a decade, but he has been stuck on mediocre Wizards teams for much of his career. Now he's got a legit shot at playing meaningful games in May and June. The three-time All-Star averaged more than 23 points per game last season on 50% shooting, including 37% from 3-point range. It remains to be seen how Beal, Booker and Durant will share the ball, but the early returns are promising.

Season opener: At Warriors on Oct. 24.

FanDuel Sportsbook NBA title odds: +550

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