What to expect from a new star trio in Phoenix or Durant in Phoenix?

Recently, we witnessed the eventual destruction of one super team – Brooklyn – and the construction of another. Phoenix currently has three NBA superstars at its disposal – Booker, Paul and Durant. Will that be enough to beat Golden State? And can such an elite offense finally take down one of the Eastern Conference’s defensive machines?

Over time, these questions will be answered by Monty Williams’s coaching genius and absence of injuries. Now let’s try to understand how powerful this “Phoenix” has become and what it can claim by taking Kevin Durant.

What is the current status of Sans?

Phoenix approached the rookie in fourth place in the regular season. He’s also fourth in points won (110.9), ninth in rebounds (44.3) and blocks (5.0) and 8th in defense per 100 positions. This shows that a good defensive setup has been built by the coaches.

DeAndre Ayton continues to decline, and largely because of this, the Suns were not seen as the main contenders for the championship. Chris Paul’s time is running out. Even his contract is not guaranteed for next season. And Devin Booker dropped 3-pointers per game (almost one shot per season), but improved on average (2.5% more accurate).

Most notably, Bridges (team first in steals and second in block) and Johnson (tall guy with a shot) were traded to the Nets (for the same Durant). These role players didn’t take on leadership responsibilities, but they did a good job on both sides of the field.

It should be noted that from December to mid-January, the Suns had only two wins in 14 games. The reasons for this were the damage done to Booker and later to Paul. This shows the importance of basketball players for the team. And he explains why it was Bridges (who played 40 minutes at the time) who became a bargaining chip in the trade.

What is Durant’s current status?

Kevin has not played since the beginning of January and is not in very good shape at the moment. Prior to injury, he gave Brooklyn a 17-3 win/loss streak and placed second in the Eastern Conference. It also shows the usual high percentage (56%) of field goal conversions.

It should be noted that Phoenix has for some time taken a motivated player who wants to leave the Nets and play in a smarter and more stable organization. What Phoenix accomplished with his arrival.

Will KD’s presence in Arizona be enough to become the West’s main competitor? Let’s try to understand.

What will empower Durant in Phoenix?

The Suns are seventh on 3-pointer percentage and Booker can add to their 3-pointer. The late Durant averages over five assists per game. How? It attracts opponents and finds an empty one. It’ll be good to see this offensive duo in action once Kevin gets Devin to assist.

Also, Phoenix is ​​now perhaps the best team to carry mid-range threats. Chris Paul’s ability to attack the opponent’s ring five meters from the ring has long been legendary. Booker’s shot chart shows that he used 20 percent of his shots from about 5-6 meters from the rim, and converted more than half. By comparison, he shoots only 10 percent more often from behind the arc, with a hit percentage of 35.

The arrival of the famous sniper Durent, who shoots from any distance, will further reveal the defenses of the opponents. Even more, it will make room for Paul and Booker’s average shots. And when the Suns attack stops, KD will take the lead and destroy the opponent from any distance. Thanks to the skill and efficiency of the players, Phoenix will return to NBA fashion for mid-range attacks. True, only within the framework of a single Arizona team.

Meanwhile, in the last 25 years there have been 1,700 cases in the NBA where a basketball player has averaged at least 250 shots from a distance per season. Among this example, there are only three instances where a basketball player has converted at least 55% of their attempts:

• 2018/2019 season – Kevin Durant
• 2021/2022 season – Kevin Durant
• 2022/2023 season – Kevin Durant

What will Sans’ defense be like?

Phoenix’s defensive formations shouldn’t sag too much due to the team’s simulated backbone and a pretty strong coach. During that time, however, the Suns lost three of their powerful forwards at once: Crowder, Johnson and Saric. Who will replace the tall man’s position in an organization that doesn’t trust fast-paced sick basketball (the 22nd in the league)?

Perhaps such a player will be Tory Craig, who will elevate the position and play the role of a stretch forward on offense and will force his opponents with a weight of 100 kilograms on defense. Or Kevin himself will play “big”, the wing will be a special 3&D artist – Okogi, Shemet or Lee.

Given that Kay D and Devin will each take 40 minutes of playing time in the decisive matches, the depth of the playoff roster should be sufficient for the team. Monty Williams knows how to dose the time between role players. So I think it’s totally premature to worry about Terence Ross or Cam Payne getting bored at the bank. But the big guys aren’t enough for Phoenix, so Biombo, Lendale and Baseley (the team’s rookie) have to fight for more than 14 minutes per game. And this is when the main tall Crowder missed almost the entire season and Saric was just Saric.

First game with the new team

As soon as Kevin Durant played his first game in the white and orange Phoenix jersey, Giannis offered to teach him how to win a championship with a team (KD is changing teams for the third time). Kidding aside, the forward made his debut for the Suns in a game against the Hornets. And he made it to 23 points, making 73% of his attempts at close or medium range and shooting two of his four 3-pointers. And his team defended well and only conceded 91 points.

Phoenix players already know that Kevin can be found with a 45 pass, running under the basket, or dropping him one-on-one against an opponent. This is Kay D’s mid-range move, which should end with a shot and two points on the scoreboard.

And that means the team gets a guaranteed 30 points per game, high conversion percentage and hit map – from any distance, a thought and a lifesaver when someone else’s attack stops in half the field. What else? Potentially the most dangerous shooting duo in the NBA, a continuation of Durant-Booker and Paul’s (health) career, he won’t be overburdened (really?) but will save his energy for decisive playoff games that are so lacking. in the summer of 2021.

What does it mean? Golden State’s chances of playing in the NBA Finals are dwindling. And you and I have had an interesting offensive team and we’re looking forward to the qualifiers where this gang can show what they’re capable of. And what Kevin Durant can do outside of Oakland.

Vyacheslav Shevchenko