The Phoenix Suns were swept in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs last season, losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Phoenix had partnered Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal in the hopes of constructing a championship-level team. However, limited roster depth and a lack of a genuine point guard hurt the franchise’s chances.
Frank Vogel was the primary casualty of the Suns’ underwhelming ending to the season. Mike Budenholzer has been hired as his replacement and will now shoulder the burden of coaching one of the best offensive trios in the world. Fortunately for Budenholzer, the Suns have addressed some of their flaws from last season, with Tyus Jones projecting as a major addition to the roster.
With a new head coach and multiple new faces, the Suns appear excited about the upcoming season. During a post-practice interview on Thursday, Beal praised the atmosphere within Phoenix’s locker room, noting the team’s new energy.
“I had a lot of fun last year,” Beal said. “Obviously, being hurt and trying to work your way back into it, that’s the frustrating part…This environment now, it’s light-years for sure better than what we experienced, everybody, from last year. It’s just a new energy…Just joy and passion for the game. We’re excited about the new pieces that we added…Joy is the biggest thing. If you’re joyful, you’re enjoying it, we have the best job in the world.”
