In the upcoming NBA season, the Phoenix Suns and their star-studded trio are facing a crucial moment after being eliminated in the first round of the 2024 playoffs. The Suns, armed with the priciest trio in the league, fell short of their goals due to a lack of depth and defensive issues which prevented them from reaching the 50-win mark. Their playoff run ended in disappointment when the Minnesota Timberwolves swept them.
During the offseason, the Suns made a coaching change in hopes of addressing their defensive woes. Frank Vogel, who had won a championship with the Lakers as a defense-minded coach, was let go and replaced by Mike Budenholzer, another coach with a championship pedigree. The Suns hoped that Budenholzer could help shore up their defense and lead them to a deeper playoff run.
However, the Suns were limited in their offseason moves due to cap constraints caused by the hefty salaries of their core players. Despite their financial limitations, the Suns were able to make some key additions. Royce O’Neale was re-signed, and Mason Plumlee was brought in to add depth to the frontcourt. Additionally, Markieff Morris and Tyus Jones were acquired to help fill the void left by Aaron Gordon in the backcourt.
One of the most significant additions for the Suns was point guard Tyus Jones. With cap restrictions preventing the team from making a big splash in free agency, Jones was a valuable addition as a true point guard. Devin Booker had been handling point guard duties, but Jones’ arrival allows Booker to focus on scoring while Jones facilitates the offense. Jones’ playmaking abilities will be crucial for the Suns as they look to make a deep playoff run.
As the season approaches, the spotlight will be on the Suns and how far they can go with their revamped roster. With a new coach, new additions, and a renewed focus on defense, the Suns will be aiming to surpass their first-round exit from last season and make a deeper playoff run. The pressure will be on the star-studded trio to deliver and lead the Suns to success in the upcoming season.
