Welcome to the 2024-25 Phoenix Suns Season Preview series, where we embark on a comprehensive journey through the roster. In this series, we’ll break down individual player previews, offering a detailed look at each member of the Suns’ lineup. We’ll recap their performance from last season, highlighting key moments and areas of growth, and analyze how their skills, experience, and roles will contribute to the team’s championship aspirations.

Whether it’s the seasoned veterans or the rising stars, each player has a unique role in what could be a defining season for the franchise. Join us as we explore the potential and challenges that lie ahead for the Suns in their pursuit of basketball glory.

Up next…

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Kevin Durant

Forward, 6’11”, 240 pounds, 35 years old, 16 Years of NBA Experience

Kevin Durant. Ever heard of the guy? Many call him the Slim Reaper. Just in case you didn’t know, he’s one of the greatest NBA players ever and added another gold medal this summer to his historic Olympic resume. Traded to the Valley two seasons ago, the multi-time NBA champion has kept his game sharp even as he gets deeper into his mid-30s.

Going into his third season as a member of the Phoenix Suns, the future first-ballot Hall-of-Famer continues to be one of the faces of the NBA along with Steph Curry and LeBron James. Considering the Suns’ struggles over the last decade and a half, having a player like Durant on the roster is a symbol of a new era in Phoenix, one where stars want to play in the orange and purple and not just against them.

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2023-24 Recap

Last season, Durant played 75 games, the most he’s played since he was with the Golden State Warriors. His per-game stat-line of 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5 assists on 52/41/86 splits earned him his 14th All-Star appearance and 13th All-NBA honor.

Durant had many memorable moments last season, including his 43-point outing against the Chicago Bulls that he finished with an impressive game-winner with All-NBA Defensive star Alex Caruso draped over him.

The Suns’ lack of a point guard last season forced Durant to take on more ball-handling duties, a role that he was suited for, but at times didn’t always maximize the team’s abilities.

Despite his fantastic individual season, criticism of him poured in loudly when they were swept in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Many in the media questioned his abilities and what his recent playoff loss meant to his legacy.

Classic media dialogue. When you’re as great as Kevin Durant is, that’s what happens. LeBron James and Steph Curry deal with the same type of dialogue about them constantly.

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Contract Details

Durant is entering the third year of his maximum contract extension, which he signed with the Brooklyn Nets in the 2021 offseason. Including the upcoming season, he has two years left on his deal and is eligible to sign a one-year extension with the Suns until late October similar to the one Steph Curry just signed with the Warriors.

He is set to make $51.2 Million this season, the most on the Suns.

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Strengths & Weaknesses

Durant is an offensive machine. Just like Nikola Jokić, Luka Dončić, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, his presence on the court creates offensive opportunities for himself and his teammates.

He is as efficient as can be and does a really great job of being versatile. Whatever needs to be done, he works to do it. He can pass, shoot, dribble, score, play-make, he’s the full offensive package. There’s a reason why when he was on the Golden State Warriors, many thought the NBA was unfair because his three-level scoring combined with the shooting, passing, and defending around him made the team virtually unbeatable.

He played 75 games last season but he’s 35, about to be 36. Since tearing his Achilles in 2019, Durant has had multiple injury-riddled seasons. It will be in the Suns’ best interests to try and limit his minutes throughout the season to have him at his best form heading into the home stretch of the season and the playoffs.

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One Key Factor

Tyus Jones running point guard should give Durant less offensive responsibilities. Just like Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, he should have more opportunities to just focus on scoring, which he does best.

Jones’ pass-first point guard approach should decongest the Suns’ offense from a year ago. When he runs an offense, Jones can limit turnovers and keep the team organized. In turn, Durant could become even more efficient and have better synergy between the Suns’ Big Three.

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Prediction Time

Kevin Durant has aged like fine wine. His stats are just as solid as they were half a decade ago. Whether he shows a noticeable decline or not, I expect him to have similar stats to what he’s always had: averaging over 25 a game on the efficiency we know and love about him.

Playing with a deeper, more cohesive roster than he did a year ago, everyone’s stats on the Suns’ may dip a bit this season for the betterment of the team. There’s more pressure on Phoenix than there has been in recent years. Many are calling for the team to be blown up to avoid the heavy taxes that come with the second apron and recuperate the assets they lost by trading for Durant and Beal.

I like Phoenix to bounce back this season, and get back into the top four of the West, with Durant having another impactful, great year.

66 games played, 26.5 PPG, 5.1 APG, 6.2 RPG, 1.0 BPG on 52/42/88 shooting splits

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Final Thoughts

I agree with John Voita from yesterday, this will be the year of Devin Booker. As a result, I expect Kevin Durant’s role to be similar to his one in Golden State. He may be the best player, but he won’t be the leader of the team. This is Devin Booker’s team and the offense will run through him, making Durant the de facto number two, giving him better looks.

In a bounce-back season, Durant will help silence many Phoenix doubters.

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Read other 2024-25 Player Previews right here: