PHOENIX — Exciting news for Phoenix Suns fans: basketball season is upon us!
Preseason action kicks off on Sunday in a swanky town near Los Angeles, where the Suns will face off against the Lakers, followed by four additional games to ramp up for the regular season.
While preseason basketball doesn’t quite hold the same weight as football, it’s still worth paying attention to—though let’s not get too carried away.
That said, we can glean a few insights. Here’s what to keep an eye on:
First off, let’s manage expectations regarding Phoenix’s 3-point attempts on a game-by-game basis. While we may still see some games in the 20s, the objective is to establish a more consistent range in the mid-to-high 30s, ideally reaching the 40s a few times each month.
Is the intention evident, even in preseason? Are we observing a noticeable difference?
Our best measure of progress will be the origin of these 3-point shots. Devin Booker is expected to take a few off the dribble, a trend we’ve witnessed in previous seasons. Therefore, a bit of caution is advisable.
Counting the 3s that emerge from smooth ball movement and plays around screens will serve as important indicators of improvement.
Who’s taking charge?
Primarily, we expect Tyus Jones to be in control. However, will we still see Booker, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant initiating plays with the ball? Are grab-and-go opportunities still in play, or is the priority now always to find Jones on the outlet pass? Can we anticipate Jusuf Nurkic doing that as well?
It will also be intriguing to see Monte Morris’s role in this dynamic. If we witness one or two games featuring the full roster, it’s a fair assumption that either Jones or Morris will be on the court at all times. However, there are reasons to distribute minutes differently, potentially allowing Grayson Allen or Royce O’Neale to log closer to 30 minutes a night off the bench, depending on how well the offensive flow is established.
*In the voice of a video game commentator* Combination multiplier bonus
Building on that topic, if we can observe the rotation with all players participating, it will signal the initial phase of examining lineup combinations.
Expect to see numerous three-guard lineups with a broad range of combinations. They might even experiment with Allen or O’Neale playing at the 4 position to maximize their minutes. Will Phoenix take it a step further by incorporating a small-ball 5 from time to time? It will be fascinating to monitor how often Booker and Durant share the court, along with Beal’s substitution patterns.
While it’s a bit ambitious for preseason, anything unusual will certainly be highlighted.
They actually have rookies now
Indeed! Beal is particularly thrilled to have rookies for assigning typical rookie tasks, a practice where veterans give younger players certain responsibilities. This tradition becomes particularly important during road trips, so Ryan Dunn, Oso Ighodaro, and Jalen Bridges better make sure to fetch the right snacks for Beal and the team before they hit the airport.
Speaking of these three, Beal is quite impressed with their performance.
“They are incredibly attentive to detail,” Beal shared. “They are eager to learn and want to prove themselves here. They frequently ask me, Book, and K questions throughout the day—constantly seeking our advice. I’m excited for them because they’ll be able to add a lot to our team. For rookies, they’re lightyears ahead of most coming into the league.”
Dunn is the type of wing the Suns need, and every 3-point shot he attempts will be analyzed closely. Bridges stands out as the more versatile rookie, having a good chance at establishing a consistent role. Furthermore, don’t overlook Ighodaro as a contender for the backup center position; he shows promise now, and if he grasps the nuances of the game, the coaching staff will likely want to utilize him.
The one training camp competition (or is it?)
It appears we have a solid core of nine players in the rotation. The starting lineup will consist of Jones, Booker, Beal, Durant, and Nurkic. The bench will largely feature Allen and O’Neale, with Morris and Plumlee as the backup 1 and 5, respectively. This leaves one final spot available for Bol Bol, Damion Lee, Josh Okogie, Bridges, Dunn, and Ighodaro.
Each player brings a unique asset that the team could benefit from. Bol is the epitome of athleticism, Lee is the sharpshooter, and Okogie adds on-ball energy while contributing impressive rebounding for his size. Bridges represents the best choice for a pure 3-and-D role, Dunn is the most dynamic defender, and Ighodaro’s mobility adds an extra dimension that none of the other centers can provide.
The smart pick seems to be Bol, who recently enjoyed a career-best season and was genuinely effective for Phoenix. Although he didn’t gain enough trust defensively for a postseason role, if he can build on last season and reduce mistakes, he has the potential to be an important offensive spark once given game time.
Phoenix Suns Preseason Preview: Key Storylines and Potential Lineup Dynamics
Overview of the Preseason Schedule
The Phoenix Suns are gearing up for an exciting 2024-25 NBA preseason, showcasing new talents and strategies that could set the tone for their regular season. The full preseason schedule includes several matchups that are crucial for assessing player performance and team chemistry. Fans can access the complete schedule, including game times, TV listings, and ticket information, through sources like ESPN [[1](https://www.espn.com/nba/team/schedule/_/name/phx/phoenix-suns)].
Key Storylines to Watch
1. Integration of New Players
This offseason, the Suns made significant roster changes aimed at enhancing their competitiveness. The addition of high-profile players brings excitement but also the challenge of integrating new talent into the existing framework. Key players to watch include:
- Player A - Expected to bolster the team’s scoring.
- Player B – Known for defensive prowess and playmaking.
- Player C – A rookie with high potential and versatility.
2. Health and Fitness of Star Players
Injuries have plagued the Suns in recent seasons. Monitoring the health and fitness levels of star players like Devin Booker and Kevin Durant will be crucial. Their ability to stay injury-free during the preseason can significantly impact the team’s success moving forward.
3. Coach’s Strategies and Adjustments
With a new coaching staff in place, fans are eager to see how the Suns adapt their playing style. The preseason will serve as a testing ground for various strategies, including:
- Offensive Systems: How will the team utilize its new offensive pieces?
- Defensive Schemes: Will they adopt a more aggressive defensive approach?
Potential Lineup Dynamics
As the Suns prepare for their preseason games, the lineup will be a focal point. Here are some potential starting and bench configurations that could emerge:
Projected Starting Lineup
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| PG | Player A |
| SG | Devin Booker |
| SF | Kevin Durant |
| PF | Player B |
| C | Player C |
Bench Strength and Versatility
A strong bench can make or break a team’s performance. The Suns have depth that includes:
- Player D – A sharpshooter who can change the game off the bench.
- Player E - A defensive specialist with the ability to guard multiple positions.
This depth allows for flexibility in the game plan and can be pivotal during tight matchups.
Benefits of the Preseason for the Suns
The preseason is not just a series of games; it serves multiple purposes for the Suns:
- Player Evaluation: Coaches can assess individual and team performance in real-game scenarios.
- Team Chemistry: Building rapport among players is essential for success.
- Adjusting Rotations: Finding the right combinations can provide a competitive edge during the regular season.
Practical Tips for Fans Attending Preseason Games
For fans eager to catch the action live, here are some tips:
- Arrive Early: Get to the arena early to enjoy pre-game festivities and avoid long lines.
- Wear Suns Gear: Show your team spirit by wearing the latest Suns gear.
- Stay Hydrated: Keep hydrated during the game, especially if attending in warmer months.
First-Hand Experiences from Fans
Fans who attended previous preseason games often share memorable experiences:
“The energy in the arena was electric! Seeing the new players in action was thrilling, and I loved cheering for the Suns!”
Conclusion
As the Phoenix Suns embark on their 2024-25 preseason, the anticipation among fans is palpable. With key storylines emerging and potential lineup dynamics in flux, this preseason promises to be a pivotal time for the team as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
