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The Arizona Republic's bold predictions for the 2024-25 season

Posted on by Kennedy
The Arizona Republic's bold predictions for the 2024-25 season

The Phoenix Suns begin the 2024-25 season on Wednesday with one goal: winning the first NBA championship in franchise history. The Arizona Republic sports staff made some bold predictions about the Suns and the outcome of their season:

Duane Rankin, Phoenix Suns beat reporter/NBA insider: Devin Booker will finish in the top five in the NBA MVP voting and is averaging 30 points per game this season, the highest of his career, after averaging 27.1 per game last season. With the Suns looking to make more than 40 3s under Mike Budenholzer, Booker will look to make more than 10 per game. If he hits at least his career average from deep of 35.7%, Booker will average 30. If the Suns finish in the top four in the West, he will finish in the top five in MVP voting. Record in the regular season: 51-31, No. 4 in the West. This is how they will end: Lose to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the conference semifinals.

Dana Scott, Suns reporter: Devin Booker and Kevin Durant will play at least 65 games to regain All-NBA eligibility. Bradley Beal will be making his 60th season, seven more than last season, better than his three-year injury trend that resulted in four more wins. The Suns have a deeper bench with streaky 3-point threats in Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale, Bol Bol and Damion Lee. This group will be crucial to Mike Budenholzer's trey-based offense and disguise their questionable defense. Record in the regular season: 53-29, No. 4 in the West. How they will end: Lost to the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals.

Greg Moore, columnist: Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal will average around 95 points per game to start the season before taking a few days off around New Year's. Not wanting to give up momentum in a crowded Western Conference, Mat Ishbia and James Jones will lure Charles Barkley out of retirement, and Mike Budenholzer will bring the Chuck Wagon into the starting lineup and run the offense through him. Barkley will pick and fight his way to a few 50-point games before retiring again with the return of the Big Three. Barkley will decline interviews and go into quiet seclusion, only to resurface at the Suns' championship parade. Record in the regular season: 62-20, top seed in the West. This is how they will end: Defeat the Bucks, Bulls or Celtics in the NBA Finals and win the first title in franchise history.

Bob McManaman, columnist: If they stay reasonably healthy and get the most out of their Big Three and the other additions they smartly added this offseason, the Suns will be primed to win an NBA title in 2024-25. I am a big supporter of the new coach Mike Budenholzer. You will come close to Nirvana, but just miss it. Record in the regular season: 55-27, No. 3 in the West: This is how they will end: Western Conference final, loss to Oklahoma City.

Jeremy Cluff, trend reporter: The signing of Tyus Jones pays immediate dividends for Phoenix, as the point guard plays a key role in optimizing the Big 3 of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, as well as new coach Mike Budenholzer's system. Grayson Allen shines as the leader of the second unit and rookies Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro become X-factors and fan favorites with their effort and courage. Record in the regular season: 56-26, No. 2 in the West. This is how they will end: NBA finals, loss to Boston Celtics.

Jay Dieffenbach, sports director of the Republic: The increased volume from the 3-point range proves to be a big advantage. Coach Mike Budenholzer loves the three anyway, but the open looks that this starting five generates are causing a stir among opponents. The defense is still a work in progress, but with Coach Bud in charge, the team will be tough. Record in the regular season: 51-31, No. 3 in the West. This is how they will end: Western Conference final, loss to Oklahoma City.

Chris Coppola, deputy sports editor: Just after the New Year, rookie Ryan Dunn moved into the starting lineup as the Suns realize they need more size and perimeter defense to compete in the brutal Western Conference. Bradley Beal becomes the sixth man and provides instant scoring from the bench. Record in the regular season: 53-29, No. 4 in the West. This is how they will end: Western Conference semifinals, loss to Oklahoma City.

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