The Phoenix Suns are coming off a devastating Finals loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. The Suns have jumped from the lottery into the Finals, and were two games away from their first championship. While this loss might sting, it does not put the team back in terms of development of future success. I believe that this Finals loss will actually make this team better for the long run.
The Developing Guys
Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton have both developed into players that can lead a team deep into the playoffs. Even though CP3’s future in the desert is unknown, the Suns should have enough talent to stay in the upper echelon of the West without Paul. Some of the most interesting players to watch include Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, and Cameron Payne. All of these guys are under 26, and have the talent to develop into contributing factors on the team. Cameron Payne could take over CP3’s starting spot in the future. With an incredible first step and the ability to score in the paint, Payne provides the Suns with a spark off the bench. If he continues developing court vision, he should be ready to take over as the Sun’s starting point guard. Cam Johnson and Mikal Bridges fit the mold of the prototypical 3-D player. They can guard, knock down threes, and score off the dribble in small volume. The question for both of these players is whether they can take that next leap, and become a 2 way star. They would be following in the mold of a player such as Paul George who can produce offensively and shutdown the opponents best player. The good thing for the Suns is that Bridges and Johnson have potential, and while Bridges is farther along the path of becoming a star it could happen to either of these players.
The Revenge Tour
Losing the Finals can be the worst thing in the world. It is going to suck. Yet, everyone on the Suns is going to show up for next season and that loss will 100% be on their mind. As a young team with little playoff experience, they can use this newfound motivation and experience to continue to push for the Finals in the upcoming years. Booker, Ayton, and coach Monty Williams will be determined to put this team back in the Finals because competitive people like basketball players can’t bear losing. They will do everything to try to get back and win what they have lost.
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