New NBA season is synonymous with a new overview of franchises during the now famous 30 previews in 30 days. Even if some teams are, on paper, more anticipated than others, all have reasons to be followed this year and we are going to prove it to you! Here, for example, are the 10 reasons to watch Phoenix Suns games in 2024-25.
#1: the Mike Budenholzer paw
There’s a new sheriff in town… The little hay bales whose name no one knows but everyone sees what they are, twirl between the sand and the cacti of the Valley. Mike Budenholzer comes out of the saloon, smokes in his mouth, and glares at the Western Conference teams. “This season is mine”. Well, more seriously, no more playing Clint Eastwood, but we must admit that this arrival is enough to reignite the flame among the Suns. Fired by the Bucks after an elimination in the first round during the 2022-2023 Playoffs, the double coach of the year will try to bounce back in Phoenix, in his native Arizona. On paper, the marriage seems ideal. Bud really wanted the Suns, the Suns wanted someone who could manage the stars. Bingo. The calculations are correct Kevin. Hey, speaking of Kevin, it’s going to be interesting to see Coach Bud’s management of the trio of superstars. The objective is clear, to succeed in bringing Durant, Booker and Beal together to make the Suns a real contender for the title. In addition to his trio of stars, Mickaël Bulldozer has a good squad to play spoilsport in the West. Enough to fuel real hopes for the coming season.
#2: an MVP caliber Devin Booker?
Devin Booker is the guy who is too strong. Well yes, said like that it may sound stupid, but it’s a fact, Devin Booker is strong. But to what extent? Strong enough to take the Suns to the NBA Finals? Yes. In 2021, the rear has takeover and carried his team to the gates of the trophy. That season, Book even finished fourth in the MVP standings. A performance that he has never repeated since. But if DB is now a confirmed All-Star, can he still take a step forward and seriously enter the MVP race? One thing is certain, the Suns will need their back in boss mode. Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal still at his side but regularly injured, Book would be well inspired to have the season of his life.
#3: See Kevin Durant pass Julius Erving and Moses Malone
Kevin Durant. This is the name that marked the history of the NBA. In fact, KD will undoubtedly write his name even more in the basketball golden book. This season, the Slim Reaper should exceed two points in the ranking of the best scorers all-time. The sizes in question? Oh, just Julius Erving and Moses Malone. Just that. Well, on this point a clarification is necessary. In fact, KD has already smoked them in points scored in the NBA. On the other hand, Dr J and Moses having spent part of their careers in ABA, they still remain ahead of Durantula cumulatively. Not for much longer, we grant you that, but still. If injuries spare Durant, the legends will be in the retro!
#4: The matches between Jusuf Nurkic and Draymond Green
That’s a poster that looks good. Undisputed NBA heavyweight champion, Draymond Green will defend his belt in an explosive rematch against Jusuf Nurkic. As a reminder, the American had already won against the Bosnian last December, with a stunning knockout in the third round. Since then, water has flowed under the bridges, and… In fact, no, nothing has changed, at least according to Jusuf Nurkic. We still hope that this time, the chin will be more solid. Come on Jusuf, this time this fight is for you!
#5: Bradley Beal, to get out of the whirlwind of criticism
Sometimes, when it doesn’t want to, it doesn’t want to. Bradley Beal understood that well. For some time now, the rear has been struggling to regain its former glory. Having difficulties with his body, Brad continued through seasons undermined by injuries. Too bad, when we know to what extent his association with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker makes us salivate on paper. Too bad for the Suns, too, when we know that BB pockets 50M each season. A tidy sum, and which the rear struggles to justify. But let’s be positive. The 2024-2025 financial year could well be that of renewal for Bradley Beal. From now on drifted by Mike Budenholzer, and relieved of certain responsibilities at the front, thanks to the arrivals of Monte Morris and Tyus Jones, Real Deal will have the opportunity to prove that he is not yet burnt out.
#6: Ryan Dunn’s defensive sequences
Probably not the flashiest name of these Suns version 2024-25 and yet Ryan Dunn is not the least interesting. For those who don’t know him, let’s get straight to the point: this young man is probably the best defender of his Draft vintage. Selected in 28th position by Phoenix last June, the 21-year-old winger arrives in Arizona with one mission: to extinguish the best opposing attacker every evening. Able to defend positions 1 through 4, Dunn accumulated 1.3 steals and 2.3 blocks per game with the Virginia Cavaliers last year. A real ball of energy and hustleall accompanied by undeniable athletic qualities. In short, the modern defender par excellence. It’s often said that a picture is worth a thousand words, so just watch the compilation.
#7: Kevin Durant’s game at the University of Texas
This is a moment that promises to be nice. Almost 18 years after playing his last NCAA game, Kevin Durant will return home to the University of Texas. No no, the guy is not switching to a double degree in history and philosophy, but is simply going to play a regular season NBA game. It will be at the Moody Center, against the Spurs of a certain Victor Wembanyama. Although KD only played one season with Texas, his number 35 was still retired by the university in 2008. So we take out our best TrashTalk diary, and write it all down so we don’t forget. It will be February 20, 2025.
#8: Mat Ishbia’s new crazy move
We would love to tell you exactly what crazy thing Math Ishbia is going to unleash on us this time, but with him, it’s impossible to predict in advance. The guy is playing Monopoly, as soon as someone tempts him or inflates him, he sends the tickets to resolve the problem. Mat Ishbia is the owner of the Suns and the Mercury. A relatively young, relatively rich, relatively American guy. No, well actually very young, 44 years old, very rich, around 5 billion euros in personal fortune according to Bloomberg, and above all very American. The guy has one goal: to win the title. And for that he is injecting millions. Enough to get to the end? The future will tell us.
#9: Grayson Allen’s vice and shoot shots
Okay, Grayson Allen may not be the hottest player in the game roster of the Suns, we grant you that. But still, the guy is so fun to watch play. Plus, the guy really seems to have reached a milestone last season. As proof, Gray is quite simply the best sniper in the NBA in 2023-2024, completing the exercise at 46% behind the arc. Moreover, his excellent performances allowed him to be extended for 4 years by the Suns management. A logical reward for a boy who has become vital to Phoenix’s success. Just as capable of planting a big 3-pt than sticking his elbow in the ribs of the poor unfortunate who wants to compete for the ball, Grayson is definitely a player with multiple talents. And just for that, we click.
#10: Alex’s aperitif debrief after the elimination in the Playoffs
Where when the expression “save the best for last” takes on its full meaning… No, pity, we already want to be there. After an excellent “The Suns humiliated in Game 7: shameful, scandal, we need to talk about it!” two years ago, a sublime “The Suns swept 4-0: big mouths, and small players!” A few months ago, TrashTalk which would return for the third part of its successful series, we all dream of it. Probably titled “The Suns (again) slapped 4-0: fuck you all!”, we would discover an Alexandre Martin more furious than ever, on the verge of implosion. If under his glasses usually hides a wise and mischievous look, this time, Alex struggles to mask his anger. With a red face and a shiny head, the old man stares at the camera, looking serious. After a silence that seemed to last hours, only these words managed to escape his mouth. “I’m not going to hide from you that I’m very, very angry.” Even Bastien, although accustomed to teasing his sidekick, no longer boasts. The heavy atmosphere of the room is palpable, even through the camera lens. Everyone knows it, one word too many, and it’s an explosion. No, there’s no denying it, we’re really looking forward to it!
