The loss of Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets in the Summer had the potential to derail the Phoenix Suns’ season, and his comments about a lack of expectation could have hit the team hard. However, what might shave come across as a harsh dig at the time appears to have some basis in truth, and this is not a bad thing.
Teams that are not expected to win can go one of two ways: they can either let it affect their confidence and go into games without the passion required to win, or they can play with freedom and enjoy themselves. The Suns appear to have taken the latter route, enjoying a five-win streak and looking comfortable.
The Post-Durrant Suns
Having a 6ft 11″ power forward who was voted the Rookie of the Year, is a two-time NBA champion and finals MVP, 15-time NBA All-Star, four-time scoring champion, four-time Olympic gold winner, and currently in eighth place as the all-time leading NBA scorer, is undoubtedly a benefit.
The loss of Durant to the Rockets was a drop in talent for the Suns, but they have been able to overcome this by becoming a stronger team unit rather than being reliant on Durant’s reputation.
Actually, they have been pretty good lately, with the current 9-6 score. That’s why basketball bettors keep an eye on their performance. For instance, in their forthcoming away match against the Sacramento Kings – currently at a miserable winning ratio of 3-12 – on November 26, the Suns’ chances to win are higher than in some other matches this season. So, those bettors seeking where to play online in California can find some favorable odds for this very match.
On the other hand, even the top sportsbooks see the Phoenix Suns’ chances of lifting the Championship as all but non-existent. Odds up to 600/1 give a good insight into how the experts see their chances. And the odds of 250/1 to win the Western Conference and 1/6 odds of them not making the playoffs might seem harsh, given their recent winning streak.
This should not take away from the hard work and excellent performances the team has put in; they can only play to their schedule, and these wins are as important as any others. A current sixth-place position in the Western Conference is an impressive achievement for first-time head coach Jordan Ott.
A tougher schedule could test this team, but their form and cohesiveness could be tough for other teams to break down. They are known for their hard-nosed style that focuses on the abilities of their players and their ability to connect with one another.
Nobody expects this team to become world beaters, and they undoubtedly have their faults. However, they know this and have started to work together in a way that brings the best out of each other.
Devin Booker, Mark Williams, and Grayson Allen are the key performers thanks to the impressive Suns’ teamwork. Booker leads the way with a 28.5 points per game average and 7 assists per game average. Mark Williams has chipped in with 8.8 rebounds and 1 block per game averages, while Grayson Allen is the NBA leader for 3-pointers and boasts a 1.6 steals per game average.
The Current Leadership
By all accounts, the leadership of the Phoenix Suns is bold and exciting; however, it doesn’t exactly inspire confidence, but it is working. Josh Bartelstein is the 36-year-old CEO whose age has raised some eyebrows, while General Manager Brian Gregory is in his first GM position following a college basketball coaching career.
Add to this the fact that Ott’s previous experience comes as an assistant at the Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Cleveland Cavaliers, and the inexperience from all quarters of the Suns’ leadership team could have been a disaster.
However, it could be that the fresh eyes of all involved have brought something unique to the team, and the players have responded to it.
How High Can the Suns Go?
The team definitely has potential, and being able to string together a good run of form against teams around their perceived level is an excellent start. Whether they can continue this form against the conference’s better teams remains to be seen, but a lack of expectation is providing the freedom for players to excel.
The real test could be seeing how the team makes the next step, and whether their new CEO and GM have the ability to attract talent that can improve the team without disrupting its spirit.
Final Thoughts
The Phoenix Suns’ great start to their post-Durant life is more than anyone could have hoped for, and their dynamic young management team has worked wonders to get the most from individuals working in a team unit.
It is still the early part of the current NBA season, and there are a lot of tests for the team to face, but Suns fans can be quietly optimistic about their future.
Main Image: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
