Why the Suns’ offseason may have you forgetting their playoff disappointment — for now

Even the Olympics are done now. It’s the dog days of the NBA Calendar...officially. We will all get into the College Football season later this month, making the NBA season feel even farther away.

The last time we saw the Phoenix Suns play basketball, they…yeah. You know what happened if you’re reading a Phoenix Suns blog in August. Beyond disappointment, it left a sour taste in the fan base; confused as to why the season went the way it did, frustrated that they played just four playoff games, and hungry for more success.

That will still be discussed when the season comes around. With stars like Devin Booker and Kevin Durant leading the Valley, their most recent play on the court is always discussed. The thing is, their NBA play is not their most recent play on the court; the Olympics is, where they both in their ways showed out.

After missing the exhibition games with a calf strain, Durant dominated in the Olympics, averaging the third most points for Team USA on an insane 54/52/94 split, helping him become the leading scorer in USA Olympic Basketball history.

After Team USA defeated France in the championship, he became the first player with four Gold Medals in Olympic Basketball history.

Last year, after Team USA went home early in the FIBA Basketball World Cup, Devin Booker posted on “X” that he’d be willing to play a role where he would be predominantly defending and at times sit some possessions in the corner.

He played the role to a tee, earning praise from Team USA Head Coach Steve Kerr and his Team USA teammates Stephen Curry and Anthony Edwards. Edwards, who soundly defeated and outplayed Booker in the first round of last year’s playoffs. Booker’s selflessness, and desire to do anything required to win was on display for everyone to see.

After the Olympics, Booker and Durant were seen on a boat with owner Mat Ishbia, appearing happy and relaxed.

The combination of the Tyus Jones signing being considered a home run by most and the success and joy Phoenix’s stars are displaying have put the Suns in a positive light. That doesn’t equate to wins and losses, but for a team that rightfully faced an abundance of criticism after a disappointing season, it helps distance the team this upcoming year, from last year’s.

To truly silence their critics, they’ll need strong play; but for now, when NBA talk is quieter than it usually is with the season months away, the Phoenix Suns have good mojo.