Three Goals for Suns in 2023-24 Season
The expectations for the Phoenix Suns to win in the first year under such changes are bullish, but certainly reasonable.
To have such a major roster deconstruction such as Phoenix has gone through between seasons is uncharacteristic in many sports, yet the modern NBA seems to have stars moving quickly and forces joined in an instance. Such was the case when G Bradley Beal was traded to Phoenix in a deal that sent away G Chris Paul.
The Suns have all the pieces laid out on the table for a championship run, it's only a matter of the putting them in the right places.
The Suns are capable of becoming the best team in the NBA, only if they accomplish three things this season.
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If the Suns want to consider this major gamble of moves made in recent years to be successful, here's three goals they would need to accomplish:
1- Remain Healthy
A major aspect to any teams success is the health of the players, especially your star players. For the Suns, it is no different.
In order for new head coach Frank Vogel to get the best out of himself and the team, the best ability that players can have is availability.
Phoenix's bench was questioned throughout the playoffs last year and even in a year where significant upgrades (at least on paper) were made, the bench will continue to be a focal point baring an injury to a starting player.
Health will be one ingredient for Vogel and the Suns' recipe for success.
Last year, G Devin Booker went out with an injury to his groin and sent the star to the bench for a large chunk of the winter months. In that time, the Suns watched their conference seeding fall eight spots. Without star players, the Suns will need their best from role players.
But more importantly, star players need to stay healthy and avoid any bang ups throughout the year in order to be not only healthy but well conditioned for a playoff push.
2- Play Effective Basketball with New Roster
Vogel will have his hands full with fresh faces and different styles heading to a franchise he's never coached before. Lots of risk what put into the hands of Vogel from GM James Jones and owner Mat Ishbia.
In order for the Suns to play winning basketball throughout the regular season at least, the new system Vogel runs, along with the styles of play from such talent, the team will need to figure out a flow and style that is comfortable for them. Leadership will be a critical piece to this Suns team in order to join many new faces together.
Winning games, but more importantly playing well in those wins, will be the Suns true test, especially late in the season.
Yes, winning games will be important for the Suns during the regular season, but just as important will be how the Suns win games. With a tremendous level of talent Phoenix now has, the more important part of winning games in the regular season will be figuring out how the team plays its best basketball. It will be pivotal for not only the regular season, but for the playoffs too, that the Suns find a way to play their best basketball at the end and know what works and what does not work once only the better teams remain.
3- Win NBA Finals
It should go without saying this will be the Suns ultimate goal, and as it should be. The time has finally come where the roster and coaching is in a position to do serious damage around the league and it's time to capitalize.
For as much noise as the Denver Nugget made this year, the Suns still remain a favorable +600 to +650 odds to win the Finals. This mark is good enough for fourth in the league and second in the Western Conference only behind the aforementioned reigning champs.
The Suns time to claim an NBA Finals championship is now, this season.
A huge deal was made, a huge hiring was made and a huge mountain still remains ahead of a team looking to get over the summit in the Valley.
