Suns reenergized going into 2024-25
The Suns are determined to get back to a championship level in 2024.
PHOENIX (KYMA, KECY) - The Phoenix Suns fell woefully short of their own expectations in 2024, getting bounced in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. As we approach the dawn of a new season, there is a sense of a renewed energy and determination in the building that was expressed throughout media day.
"You can tell right away in the summer if guys are about it, if they are really in for that championship fight and we've had great participation in the gym," general manager James Jones said. "Devin [Booker] and Kevin [Durant] were in Paris, but the rest of the guys who were here were in the in the gym everyday."
Jones stressed that the players weren't just going through the motions during the offseason workouts, but attacking the day with intensity.
"It gives you confidence because those are times they don't have to be here," Jones said. "They chose to be here, working to gain a competitive advantage."
Superstars Devin Booker and Kevin Durant are coming off a gold medal in the Olympics. The experience in Paris, has Booker hungry for more and eager to avenge last season's failure.
"Going out the way we went out [in the playoffs] is not just something you want to blow by and act like it never happened," Booker said. "It is something we have to accept and use as motivation. I always say that experience is the best teacher and we have that terrible experience under our belt. We need to use that as motivation from here on out."
Last season, the Suns lacked a true point guard forcing Booker and Bradley Beal to be the primary ball handlers and offensive initiators. So, in the offseason the Suns went out and acquired Tyus Jones to orchestrate the offense.
"We [added] another player out there who can make the right plays, the right shots, the right decisions, and make us more efficient offensively," general manager James Jones said. "Which to us is our competitive advantage given that we have three of the best, Devin and Brad and KD, offensive players in the game."
Tyus Jones averaged 12 points and 7.3 assists per game for the Washington Wizards last season. His 7.3:1 assist to turnover ratio set an NBA record.
"I'm extremely excited about it," Tyus Jones said. "As a point guard who likes to get guys the ball and get others involved and put guys in the best position to score the ball. I can't imagine a better trio to do that with."
With the addition of Jones and the system new head coach Mike Budenholzer plans to implement, the Suns hope to unleash three-time All-Star Bradley Beal.
"I can definitely go back to being the Brad we all have hoped," Beal said. "I'm excited for for sure. I mean, still going to have some ball handling responsibilities, but obviously not being a focal primary point guard. Which helps all of us because now we can go back to being in our traditional roles. We can flourish and do what we've done well and got us to this point in our careers."
The Suns tip-off their preseason on Sunday October 6.
