Four bold predictions for the Suns’ 2024-25 season

It’s early, I know, but the 2024-25 season is closer than you think. College football has commenced, with the NFL lagging shortly behind. The cadence of weeks falling off the calendar as we near fall has begun, and the NBA tipping off will happen faster than a DeLorean in a Hill Valley parking lot, circa October 25, 1985.

With that being said, it’s time to delve into what might unfold for the Phoenix Suns during the upcoming season. As we stand on the brink of the 2024-25 season, what can we foresee from this moment that might actually come to pass? Will the Suns’ offseason moves solidify them as true contenders? Could players like Bol Bol finally step into the spotlight, realizing their untapped potential? As we make these early predictions, we’re not just guessing.

We’re laying the groundwork for the storylines that could define the Suns’ quest for basketball glory.

Phoenix will go 2-2 in the Emirates NBA Cup

Last season was our first experience with the In-Season Tournament. Now, a season later, it has a sponsorship stamp across the top. The Emirates NBA Cup it is, and for the Suns, they caught a tough-ish bracket in Group B.

Sure, the Jazz, Spurs, and Lakers are easy opponents on paper. But if history has taught us anything, Phoenix has an affinity for dropping random games. And a random loss to the Spurs was part of the fabric of who this team was a season ago. Add the Thunder into the Group B mix, and this is harder than it seems.

We all know what’s going to happen, right? The Suns will go 2-2, and we’ll hear KD talk about how those games don’t really matter. There’s merit to his argument, although we know that a game here or a game here could have resulted in a different playoff seeding a season ago (you know, beating the Spurs would’ve been a good thing). The NBA Cup only means something to the Lakers, who raised a banner to celebrate it.

And by Christmas, whatever the result, we’ll have forgotten about it.

Beal will end up on the bench

Many of you have been clamoring for this, and it’s something I suggested a season ago while he was coming off of one of his numerous injuries. It’s not the end of the world if Beal comes off the bench.

Now, I know it’s not about “starting” or “sitting”. It’s about who is out there to finish the games. But with the level of talent the Suns possess, having Beal with the bench unit shouldering the offensive load during the middle of games would be quite the advantage. The Suns don’t have a stable of players who can create their own shot, especially with that second-team unit. Insert Beal, and Phoenix could be an offensive juggernaut. And Beal? He could be a shoe-in for the Sixth Man.

Of course, you’d have to get him to buy into the idea. And who knows? If he doesn’t, maybe he’ll want a trade...which wouldn’t be the worst thing for the Phoenix checkbook.

Tyus Jones will lead the Pacific Division in assists per game

You like that? I didn’t fully commit to the NBA. Because I don’t think that’s happening. But in the Pacific? Sure. Why not?

The talent around Tyus will be some of the best he’s ever played with in the NBA. Booker. Durant. Beal (when he comes in with the bench unit). These shot makers are the best versions of themselves when they are making wide-open jumpers. With Tyus running the offense, that is where they will find themselves.

Last season Booker, Durant, and Beal has to facilitate an offense. This year they can thrive in one.

Jones dished out a career-high 7.3 assists last season with the Wizards, but when it comes to leading the Pacific Division in assists, he’s up against some serious heavyweights. LeBron clocked in at 8.3, and James Harden managed 8.5. It’s like trying to out-dance LeBron at his own party, no easy feat, but hey, Jones might just have a few slick moves up his sleeve.

Ryan Dunn won’t touch the rotation

Ryan Dunn’s chances of cracking the Suns’ rotation this season might be slimmer than a buzzer-beater from half-court. First off, Mike Budenholzer isn’t exactly known for rolling out the red carpet for rookies. He’s more likely to give a veteran the keys to the offense than a fresh-faced rookie still learning the NBA ropes. Bud’s track record suggests that unless you’re a young LeBron in disguise, you might spend more time on the bench than on the court, especially in a team as stacked as the Suns.

Speaking of a stacked roster, Dunn’s got some serious competition. The Suns’ bench is packed tighter than a can of sardines. In a team gunning for a championship, it’s tough to imagine Budenholzer swapping out seasoned pros for a rookie, no matter how promising. It’s like trying to get a seat at the adults’ table during Thanksgiving. Good luck with that, Ryan.

Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images

Then there’s the learning curve. The NBA isn’t just a step up from college; it’s a whole new ballgame. Dunn may have shined in the NCAA, but the NBA is faster, tougher, and Budenholzer’s playbook is no light reading. It’s more like a dense novel with a side of calculus. While Dunn is busy getting the hang of it all, Bud is likely to stick with players who already know the ropes.

And with the Suns in “win-now” mode, every game matters. Budenholzer is likely to rely on the guys who’ve been through the fire before.

What bold predictions do you have under your belt?