Budenholzer’s team doesn’t convince the experts, but the spirit of the 36-year-old seems to be that of the old days: “All my teammates believe in it, now we have to work to create the right chemistry but the conditions are very good”
His adventure in the Suns jersey up to this moment has certainly not been characterized by series successes, Kevin Durant therefore needs to put together a satisfactory season from all points of view, especially to try out that “Legacy” which, post-divorce from Warriors, was overshadowed by questionable choices and results far below expectations. The talent and impact of the two-time Finals MVP in the modern NBA certainly cannot be discussed, but the post-Golden State stops in Brooklyn and Phoenix certainly did not increase the player’s weight in the history of the League. KD now has to face his 18th season in the NBA with a team that is really difficult to read, certainly talented and potentially very complicated to face, but with several gaps, especially on a defensive level. With their hands tied by a Salary Cap which in practice does not allow real operations, the Suns management tried to add quality by convincing veteran Tyus Jones to accept a minimum contract but with a roster almost identical to that of last season, the the idea that Phoenix could suddenly become a “contender” thanks to the work of new coach Mike Budenholzer does not entirely convince the experts.
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Those in the know, however, say that Durant really believes in this project and his attitude during training camp seems to be proof of this. Recharged after the success with the national team in Paris, KD, according to coach Budenholzer’s words, is training excellently, with the right leadership, something that was only seen at times both in Brooklyn and last year in Phoenix, and with a very positive influence on the locker room. Words of circumstance, perhaps, but Devin Booker, the true idol of the Phoenix fans, seems so convinced of KD’s impact on the team in this championship that he considers him the favorite in the race for the MVP award. “I feel good and I’m curious to see how the new staff will work – says the 36-year-old player – our goal is to win the title, all my teammates believe in it, now we have to work to create the right chemistry but the conditions are very good.” Similar sensations seemed to shine through in this period, also last year, then the clear gaps in a roster constructed in a bizarre manner and a KD who, despite excellent numbers on an individual level (27.1 points on average while shooting 52.3% from the field) has never really close with coach Vogel, fired after just one season on the Suns’ bench, they changed the prospects of the Suns’ championship, which ended with an embarrassing first-round upset against the Timberwolves. The playoffs in recent years seem to be haunted for Durant who, post Golden State, can boast the certainly not brilliant record, for a basketball player of his talent, of 13-14. “Kevin is always a fantastic player – concludes Booker – he continues to work tirelessly because of his passion for basketball”. Now, however, KD needs something tangible in terms of results in the postseason so as not to give ammunition to critics who consider his post-Golden State choices, with the consequent lack of success, the reasons not to elevate him among the greatest of Always.
2024-10-09 19:24:00