The Phoenix Suns endured a disappointing season as injuries and lack of cohesion plagued their playoff run, resulting in a first-round sweep by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Heading into the offseason, the Suns face limitations in improving their roster due to a burdensome cap sheet and the absence of draft capital.
General Manager James Jones acknowledges the need for internal development and aims to maximize the potential of star player Kevin Durant.
Jones believes that no team has fully utilized Durant’s abilities and aims to be the first to do so, emphasizing that the team’s success hinges on maximizing Durant and the entire roster.
"A constant focus for us is to continue how to figure out and maximize Kevin Durant. No one has done it yet. I believe we'll be the 1st team to do it."
James Jones.
"When he's playing at the highest level, he makes us a really, really good team and we're damn near unbeatable." pic.twitter.com/SOAL5iyp9k
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) May 1, 2024
While recognizing Durant’s exceptional offensive performance in his first full season with Phoenix, Jones highlights the team’s struggle to synchronize their efforts and run out of time to establish cohesion.
Despite these challenges, Durant boasts an impressive NBA career, with two championships, two NBA Finals MVP awards, and multiple All-NBA and All-Star selections.
Durant played 75 games for the Suns during the regular season, averaging 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and five assists per game.
Jones admits that the lack of chemistry and limited time for the “Big Three” of Devin Booker, Durant, and Bradley Beal to play together may have contributed to the team’s early playoff exit.
However, he remains optimistic about the franchise’s future, emphasizing that chemistry is built over time and believes the team will emerge stronger from their experience.
The Suns faced challenges in the playoffs, particularly due to their lack of depth and a true point guard. Jones acknowledges the team’s need for a point guard but states that it is not the sole solution to their problems.
He emphasizes the importance of finding balance within their system and finding the right players to handle the ball effectively.
Looking ahead, the Suns will focus on the NBA Draft, Summer League, and Training Camp to prepare for the upcoming season in their quest to win a championship.
Fans reacted as follows:
How to keep KD happy 101
— The Brooklyn Way (@Jersey2Brooklyn) May 2, 2024
Tf you mean "no one has done it yet?" He won back to back championships in Golden State.
— selQ71ツ (@30goatPG_SQ) May 2, 2024
The team he won two finals MVPs didn't do it?
— Ishbia Reaper (@SunderousDunks) May 1, 2024
Could've swore KD was best utilized under Kerr with their offensive system. Did James watch basketball 2017-2019?
— cogsoldier (@cogsoldier_) May 1, 2024
Fire this man. Wasted 2 years of KD prime sitting him in the corner
— Kevin (@Kevin72506425) May 1, 2024
No team has ever gotten better because of Kevin Durant
— Solid5thoption (@slaughery1) May 2, 2024
He's 36 year's old he'll be 37 next year 🤦🏿♂️ what's left to maximize at this point he's entering 2nd to 3rd scoring option territory kd shouldn't be the focal point of any franchise at this point he's still a great player but maximizing a 37 Year old is crazy
— Rilla Aa (@aa_rilla) May 2, 2024
I think he went to 3 straight titles with golden state … and won 2.
I can’t think of many others who have done that in the last 10 years.
Seems like maximization to me 🤷🏼♂️
— DTB3 (@GIANT49RWARRIOR) May 2, 2024
My guy he’s won two chips and a mvp. I’m assuming at least one of those two teams maximized him
— Eli (@EliByTheBay) May 2, 2024
There has not been a single moment this team looked remotely close to unbeatable.
— Kevin (@walkoff9) May 2, 2024
He’s right — Kevin Durant was a superb player in the Steph Curry system. But it was still the Steph Curry system.
— Tyrone Lacob (@NiteNiteCurry) May 2, 2024
Bro what? They really thought putting him in the corner was the way instead of letting g him cook? Yea everyone needs to be fired. The warriors did it best but he’s never had issues playing at the highest level anywhere else.
— Park Mope (@djhow530) May 2, 2024
Get KD and D-Book a point guard and a few long defensive studs, then you’ve got a contender
— Long Bird (@BirdHorns) May 2, 2024
