Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (left) and forward Kevin Durant (right). Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Suns have one option this season: 'They gotta win'

By Adam Taylor | Last updated Oct 30, 2024 12:09 PM ET

After a disappointing first-round exit in the 2024 NBA playoffs, the Phoenix Suns have started the new season strong. Head coach Mike Budenholzer has implemented a new system on both sides of the floor, while Tyus Jones' addition is already paying dividends.

On paper, the Suns have one of the best rosters in the league. Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal are the most gifted offensive trio in the NBA. Ryan Dunn is already emerging as an elite defensive force despite being four games into his rookie season.

Despite their strong start, the Suns remain under significant pressure. Mat Ishbia has bankrolled an extremely expensive roster full of elite talent, and with that comes high expectations.

According to former Suns forward Shawn Marion, who spoke with Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson as part of an exclusive interview, the Suns only have one option for this season to be considered a success: Win.

"They got him, D-Book and Bradley Beal," Marion said. "They gotta win. That’s how you shut up critics: Winning. Winning solves everything. They have a lot of pieces in place that they brought in and they were able to sign back some of their key free agents and got to stay healthy. Other than that, I really want to see them healthy. I really do. Mat [Ishbia] is doing a great job out there; James Jones is out there doing it! They just have to have everybody healthy and I want to see what they do."

Phoenix currently boasts a 3-1 record. Its star trio has been playing at an elite level to begin the new NBA season. However, the health of Beal and Booker will be a genuine swing factor throughout their current campaign. Beal hasn't reached the 60-game mark since the 2020-21 season, as his injury struggles have piled up.

Still, Marion is right. With so much offensive firepower and one of the most expensive rosters in the NBA, only an NBA Finals appearance can be considered a success for the Suns this season. Budenholzer understood the pressure that would come with the job when he signed on.

The Suns have all the talent necessary to reach their goals. The question is whether the roster has the collective mental fortitude required to shoulder such high expectations throughout an 82-game season. They fell short last year, so motivation shouldn't be a factor.

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

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