Two Suns Have Most to Lose/Gain in NBA Playoffs

ESPN says two Phoenix Suns have the most to lose as the postseason approaches.

PHOENIX -- It hasn't been pretty, but the Phoenix Suns are fighting for a top-six spot in the postseason with just eight games remaining in the regular season.

The star-studded Suns have failed to shine on a consistent basis due to a plethora of injuries, though the playoffs have potential to be a different story.

Phoenix has been viewed in the "championship or bust" boat since owner Mat Ishbia first took over last season. With top-heavy salaries and a luxury tax bill that would make previous ownership blush, the Suns certainly have a lot riding on the coming postseason.

So too do the players for their respective paths and careers, and ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst recently highlighted two Suns that have the most to lose/gain in the coming stretch of basketball:

Bradley Beal

Mar 25, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) shoots in the second

Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports

Windhorst: "Beal exercised his no-trade clause to handpick the Suns last summer, forcing his way in a deal expected to create a superteam. But Beal's season has, once again, been marred with injury and inconsistency. He has made one All-Star team in the past five years. He hasn't won a playoff series since 2017. The loaded Suns are fighting to avoid a play-in bid. There are other factors involved in all that underachievement, of course, but it's unfortunately been defining this stretch of his career. The playoffs will decide what sort of year this has been for the Suns and Beal."

Our take: This isn't a legacy-defining moment for Beal like it could be for others, though Windhorst is absolutely correct in Beal still having to fight injury/inconsistency allegations. Ultimately it will be interesting to see how Beal performs in first taste of playoff action in two years, though the burden won't be placed on his shoulders to carry a team this time around.

Kevin Durant

Windhorst: "Durant is a two-time Finals MVP, a two-time champion, a regular-season MVP, one of the greatest scorers in NBA history and one of the greatest Olympians in USA Basketball history. He also forced his way to the Suns last season and was a factor in getting Beal to join him and Devin Booker. Evaluating Durant's career is nuanced and complex; his greatness has been mixed with his lack of team success since leaving Golden State. Winning again would mean so much for him."

Our take: Durant has been fighting public perception of his titles since leaving Golden State and failing to win since, and though he doesn't need another trophy for his legacy, it would just close another door for arguments against his greatness.