Suns 'Feeling the Heat' to Win Title

The Phoenix Suns have assembled quite the roster over the offseason. For a team that already carried championship expectations for the last few years, the upcoming 2023-24 season.

Movement has been a common theme since owner Mat Ishbia arrived to town, first beginning with the deal to acquire Kevin Durant back at the trade deadline before moving on from staples such as coach Monty Williams and point guard Christ Paul.

The new-look Suns appear better than ever, though expectations come with pressure.

SI's Chris Herring dubbed the Suns as one of four teams "feeling the heat" to win this season along with the Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers:

"After winning different Coach of the Year awards in both 2021 and ’22, Monty Williams got fired in ’23. That alone speaks to how much pressure is on this team to win under new owner Mat Ishbia. He’s pushing all the chips in, and the trade last season for Kevin Durant and last month for Bradley Beal (and moving on from Chris Paul) clearly illustrate that," wrote Herring.

"The Devin Booker–led club should get far more of a chance to jell this season as compared to last, when Durant got hurt almost immediately after being dealt. But injuries are almost always a question for teams this top-heavy, particularly given the almost 35-year-old Durant’s recent history.

"If this iteration of the team can’t break through, there won’t be much left—save for moving Deandre Ayton—to alter."

At his introductory press conference, coach Vogel said he embraces those expectations.

"I've been with teams where we're going to take the long road and that can be fun, that journey can be fun. But I love the mindset that we're going to go after right away with all we have. I don't give a damn about what the outside narrative is around expectations or whatnot. I care about what our expectations are, and our expectations are to go for it this year and hopefully every year that I'm here," said Vogel.

"I know what it's like to be a fan and wants to taste that championship. I'm just thrilled with the opportunity to be the coach that leads this team to its first."