“Should Again Become a Valuable Spacer” - Phoenix Suns’ 40% 3-Point Shooter Expected to Perform Better Next Season 8 Apr 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

'Biggest Embarrassment in the NBA' – Phoenix Suns Receive Harsh Criticism From Former NBA Champion

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Sep 2, 2025 8:31 PM ET

Former NBA center Kendrick Perkins recently called the Phoenix Suns the “biggest embarrassment in the NBA” in the span of three or four years under the ownership of Mat Ishbia.

During a recent episode of the Road Trippin’ podcast, Perkins detailed how the Phoenix Suns made one mistake after another since the team made the NBA Finals during the 2020-21 season, where they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games.

“One could argue, or one could say that the Phoenix Suns have been the biggest embarrassment in the NBA over the last three to four years. Where they were, what four or five years ago. NBA Finals, culture, Monty Williams, CP3, just got dominated by Giannis. To all of a sudden, you trade your number one pick in Deandre Ayton, who you took in that draft,” Perkins stated.

Mar 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) helps up guard Devin Booker (1) from the floor during the second half of the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

“Where is KD at now? So he’s not even in Phoenix anymore. All of a sudden, you acquire Bradley Beal, who is making a whole lot of f***ing money with no trade clause. You run through two championship coaches, two, Frank Vogel wasn’t good enough. Mike Budenholzer wasn’t good enough. All of a sudden, now you’re here,” he added.

Phoenix Suns News: Devin Booker draws massive compliment from four-time NBA champion

This summer, the Phoenix Suns have let go of Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal and have gone all-in for Devin Booker by giving him a massive two-year, $145 million deal. It is the highest annual extension salary in the history of the NBA.

Mar 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) looks to move the ball past Dallas Mavericks guard Brandon Williams (10) during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The four-time NBA All-Star recently received plaudits from Dallas Mavericks star Klay Thompson, who had him in his Top 5 shooters list.

“I like Devin Booker’s game a lot. I think he’s a great shooter. I gotta put Book up there,” Thompson said on the Showtime with Coop podcast.