Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and forward Kevin Durant (35) Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Suns are dangerously close to dominating the NBA — but they're not there yet

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 4/2/24

The Phoenix Suns have enough to contend for the NBA championship. Its trio of Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and Devin Booker can compete with any defensive team in the league.

However, the NBA has shifted away from its "Big Three" era, where pairing stars together was enough to be a championship team. Instead, teams are winning based on balance, depth, and high-end talent bolstered by the role players around them. As such, the Suns have struggled to keep pace with some of the more robust teams in the Western Conference.

ESPN's Tim Legler believes the Suns are underachieving. On Tuesday's episode of "First Take," he noted that he's been unimpressed with the team's recent production and believes they're capable of more than what they're currently showing.

"I have been trashing the Suns for the last few weeks," Legler said. "...At minimum, they should be considered a legitimate title contender. Nobody is talking about the Phoenix Suns in that vein."

.@LegsESPN believes we should expect MORE from the Suns.

"At minimum, they should be considered a legitimate title contender. Nobody is talking about the Phoenix Suns in that vein." pic.twitter.com/CKIWwCxaiI
— First Take (@FirstTake) April 2, 2024

Phoenix's biggest issue is its lack of depth. The team's talent level sharply declines beyond its "big three." Head coach Frank Vogel is known to favor a stringent defense, but with such limited options within the Suns' roster, it's hard to envision them producing sturdy rear-guard performances throughout a seven-game series.

The Suns have been constructed to win games on the offensive end; Their scoring ability is unmatched. They don't have a legitimate point guard, though, and their big man is past his prime.

Phoenix came into the season expecting to be title contenders. Unfortunately for them, it may take another offseason of wheeling and dealing before their roster is genuinely ready to dominate the NBA.

More must-reads: