Within the eyes of many followers and pundits, the Phoenix Suns as soon as once more have a championship-caliber crew after a disappointing begin to the 2022-23 season.
They surprised the NBA by buying and selling for famous person Kevin Durant in February, and so they paid a really steep worth to get him by giving up 3-and-D wing Mikal Bridges, key reserve Cameron Johnson, and 5 future first-round draft picks to the Brooklyn Nets.
Phoenix now possesses three present or former All-Stars in Durant, Devin Booker and Chris Paul.
A participant who could also be just a little bit neglected is beginning middle Deandre Ayton, however he confirmed off his contact lately by making an underhanded shot from the free throw line on the alternative finish of the court docket.
Deandre Ayton from the alternative free throw line. #Suns pic.twitter.com/cIrqOY50yS
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) March 28, 2023
Ayton, who has performed all 5 of his professional seasons with the Suns, practically left them final summer time when he signed a suggestion sheet with the Indiana Pacers, solely to have the Suns match it.
He’s averaging 18.3 factors and 10.1 rebounds a sport this season, though his taking pictures accuracy has dipped from 63.4 p.c final 12 months to 58.9 p.c this 12 months.
Durant has performed solely three video games with Phoenix due to two totally different accidents, however he’s reportedly nearing a return from a sprained ankle.
The crew could have little or no time to get him up to the mark and get used to enjoying with him, and males similar to Ayton and Booker must sacrifice touches and shot makes an attempt to accommodate the previous league MVP.
Such an adjustment gained’t be straightforward, and the shortage of time collectively might spell the Suns’ demise within the playoffs.
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