The new-look Suns haven’t had much run together this season, but it didn’t stop ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith from picking them to reach the final stage of the NBA playoffs.
Speaking on First Take, the basketball analyst explained why he has the Suns, led by Kevin Durant, reaching the Finals this year.
“I got [the Phoenix Suns] going to the Finals if KD is healthy,” said Smith. “If Kevin Durant is healthy, I believe he’s the best on the planet and I believe in Kevin Durant, one of the most efficient offensive superstars this game has ever seen. I know what I see in Devin Booker. And I believe if Kevin Durant gets healthy, the Phoenix Suns are going to the NBA Finals. That’s how much I believe in Kevin Durant.”
"I got [the Phoenix Suns] going to the Finals if KD is healthy."
👀 @stephenasmith pic.twitter.com/Ui3gtARq8v
— First Take (@FirstTake) March 24, 2023
Even before Durant’s arrival, the Suns were a threat to win it all. With Booker, Chris Paul, and Deandre Ayton, the team had a strong core that was led by a great coach.
Add in Kevin Durant to the mix, and the Suns become instantly better. But as Durant has already mentioned, the burden does not fall on him alone to lead the Suns to the promised land.
What’s Next For Durant And The Suns?
After KD’s latest injury, there are some real concerns that Phoenix can build the chemistry and cohesion they need to make a long playoff run.
Fortunately, Durant isn’t the only one speaking up for the Suns, and there is a group effort in the locker room to steer the team in the right direction.
“Leadership is about a group effort,” Durant said. “Like we are not going to just look at one guy to have all the answers. I think we can all figure it out as a collective and move from there and like I said, veteran teams that have been through a lot, that’s seen some stuff in this league, it’s good to have those voices talking in the locker room, so it’s only gonna make us getter. I’m looking forward to keep building with this team, it’s been fun so far.”
There is no question that Phoenix has title aspirations this season, but it’s not championship or bust for the franchise.
At the very least, with so much talent on the roster, they will be a threat in the West for years to come, and this campaign could be just the start of a true dynasty.
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