The Phoenix Suns have disappointed to start the NBA season, currently sitting at 14–14 and not even in a playoff spot. That is all despite Kevin Durant’s strong season, as the 35-year-old is averaging 30.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.4 assists in 24 games.
A big reason for the struggles is injuries, since Bradley Beal has only played in six games while Devin Booker has missed nine games himself, which is especially detrimental considering the Suns’ lack of depth. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Monday that Durant is frustrated by how the supporting cast has played while Beal has been out.
“They can feel the frustration with Durant,” Wojnarowski said. “Part of that, certainly, is the missed games from Brad Beal. This team was built around those three stars, the underwhelming supporting cast that comes from those massive trades for Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal that really gutted the organization.”
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The Suns have built their team around Durant, Beal and Booker, and the team needs to capitalize as long as Durant is performing at a high level. Wojnarowski added in his report that the Suns are aware they need to turn things around fast while Durant is playing this well.
“It is a stark reminder of how short of a window and how this team has to win big, and has to win big quickly, based on how it was constructed and having Kevin Durant playing at an All-NBA level,” Wojnarowski said. “There’s a lot at stake for this organization, it’s got to change soon.”
Phoenix hosts the Dallas Mavericks in the final game of Christmas Day, tipping off at 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
