Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Phoenix Suns fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
After an offseason full of changes on the roster and staff for the Phoenix Suns, the fans believe that this season has the potential to be better than last year’s.
Despite starting the year 8-1, the Suns went 28-45 down the stretch, for their worst season in 6 years last season,
leading to them trading Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets, buying out Bradley Beal and retooling the roster around Devin Booker with younger talent this summer.
That being said, if all goes right, most fans believe the Valley can have a better season than last year’s.
The results do not surprise me. With 42% of fans saying their ceiling is 20-39 wins, it makes me believe most fans think that if the Suns can wins 40-59 games this year think it’s more likely they win closer to 40 than 59.
With a young roster, potential is the key here when projecting for the team. Both Mark Williams and Jalen Green look to play the largest roles of their careers, and forward Ryan Dunn looks to play consistent starter minutes, something he didn’t do last season. A lot has been made of the chemistry that the Kevin Durant led Phoenix Suns had, if the Suns can establish a strong team identity early on, it could potentially help their new younger players get settled faster.
Additionally, after a few seasons playing both point guard and shooting guard, Devin Booker’s role is clear this season: he will be the team’s starting point guard. With the addition of Mark Williams, a strong interior scoring presence, and the ball in his hands more with Durant out of town, Booker could take a leap and be the most comfortable he’s ever been playing point guard.
While outside of Green, Booker and Williams, Phoenix does not have many reliable scorers, their defense could be improved from a season ago. Starting both Dillon Brooks and Dunn could give the Suns an opportunity for the team to mitigate opponents wing players.
There are a lot of ifs surrounded the team this season, not as many guarantees as you’d like to be confident in a team’s ability to compete in the Western Conference. If the Suns are going to reach their win ceiling this season, their young players are going to need to thrive in their new roles and reach their ceilings too.
All the Suns need to do is win 37 games this season to be better than last year, something that 2/3rds of the league did a season ago, but that can’t be guarantee with a young roster.
