Three Christmas Gifts Phoenix Suns Want

The Phoenix Suns have been one of - if not the most - disappointing teams in the first two months of the 2023-24 NBA season.

There's also still much to be grateful for at the same time. 

This version of Suns haven't gelled as one might expect or wish - but the fact that the franchise was willing to swing for the fences is a positive development regardless of the result.

While Suns fans have much to look forward to still, there are three distinct things that the fanbase desperately covet entering a crucial Christmas night game.

Bradley Beal Health

This is possibly the most resounding theme of the Suns' season. 

The Suns and head coach Frank Vogel have rolled out 10-plus different starting lineup combinations this season. Jordan Goodwin is the only player to appear in all 28 contests thus far. 

But Bradley Beal's status has been at the forefront of everything. 

Beal has only appeared in six games this season - three in mid-November before being shut down with the continued back issues and three in mid-December prior to a freak injury in the early parts of the game against the New York Knicks on Dec 15.

The Suns' big three has only played 24 minutes together this season, fewer minutes played together than games Phoenix has played. 

That small sample has brought forward extremely encouraging results- the Suns have a +24 net rating when the big three shares the court together. 

Suns fans are keeping their fingers crossed for a much healthier 2024, for Beal and the rest of the squad. 

Mat Ishbia Aggressiveness 

Mat Ishbia hasn't shied away from making bold moves ever since he took control of the Suns in February. 

Ishbia played a large role in acquiring Kevin Durant hours after he took control of the franchise, ushering in a coaching change shortly after another disappointing playoff exit, acquiring Beal in the offseason, and aggressively pursing key free agent targets to fill out a reconstructed roster. 

Ishbia needs to stay aggressive in the hunt to improve the team as the trade deadline and subsequent buyout market approaches. 

While Phoenix doesn't have many assets to move, they need to keep all options on the table - outside of parting with any of their stars of course. 

The most likely way to improve the team is through the buyout market, and it can be assumed that there will be several impact players that hit the market who will be interested in a bigger role on a prospective contender. 

Larry O'Brien Trophy

The most coveted prize is obviously the Larry O'Brien trophy. 

The Phoenix Suns have notably fallen short of winning an NBA title since their inception in 1968 - but it isn't without a lack of trying. 

The Suns are likely the most accomplished franchise that has never secured a title- and that's a label that everyone involved with the franchise would like to shed. 

While things may look bleak currently, the truth is a team that has Kevin Durant and Devin Booker will always have a fighters chance. The Western Conference being wide open also helps Phoenix's prospects this season. 

It might be tough to weather the storm in the interim, but it's still worth holding out hope come April.