How the NBA Superteam culture could eventually benefit the Phoenix Suns

Superteams are a huge part of the NBA today. While they are generally disliked by fans of the opposition, the Phoenix Suns might someday be able to take advantage of the system.

The NBA superteam can be traced all the way back to 1966 whenthe Boston Celtics, led by Bill Russell, John Havlicek, Sam Jones, and Bailey Howell, lost to the equally as loaded Philadelphia 76ers who also had a superteam: Wilt Chamberlain, Billy Cunningham, Hal Greer, and Chet Walker.

That was when the league was about the “team” and less of a player league.

Those franchises built those superteams from the ground up – through the draft and trades – instead of the player movement we have today.

Now, you will understand that LeBron James was not the first to form a superteam.

However, he was a trailblazer in starting the player empowerment era which led to the superteam culture.

But, did Wilt and Bill pave a way to make the Phoenix Suns relevant again, and possibly finally win an NBA championship?

Obviously, it has been a long time since the Suns have had a loaded team that brought a lot of wins to the valley.

Once LeBron decided to take his talents and play Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami, the decade of superteams was re-born, thus destroying the homegrown teams.

However, the Golden State Warriors proved their superteam was superior, and it was not until this past season when they were dethroned, in earnest.

What is now going to be the “duo” instead of “trio” season, can still be classified as superteams: LeBron James and Anthony Davis; Kawhi Leonard and Paul George; and eventually, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant.

So, where does that leave the Phoenix Suns?

The Suns have am about to break into the scene superstar in Devin Booker.

They have another star in the making, DeAndre Ayton, who could be the league’s next great big man.

Here’s the kick though: both players are under 23.

Think about that. Phoenix has two already stars approaching their prime, meanwhile, the league’s current stars are beginning to age, thus allowing the next generation of basketball to gradually take over.

Wth that, the NBA could turn one of two ways: superteams could form once again and we could see a new dynasty form then rule the NBA for years to come.

Or superstars could stay true to their roots and more closely resemble the pre-2000s era of NBA basketball that so many of us know and love. That would mean Giannis Antetokounmpo staying in Milwaukee, Booker and Ayton staying in Phoenix, Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis remaining in Dallas, Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray staying put, plus many more.

So how then does the superteam culture favor the Phoenix Suns going forward?

Right now, with Booker and Ayton, Phoenix has two of the best young players in the league.

When these players approach the prime of their careers, no one knows how phenomenal they will be. In four quick years, Booker, Ayton, and possibly even Mikal Bridges or Kelly Oubre will all be in, starting, or about to be in their prime.

That year is 2023.

At that point, I am banking on the Suns having made some noise in the West, and establishing themselves as a relevant basketball team again.

The free agent class of 2023 is potentially extremely intriguing, with aging stars like Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Jimmy Butler avaiable.

Add to that too Porzingis, who has a player option. What if he and Doncic blow up in Dallas’ face?

D’Angelo Russell too will be an unrestricted free-agent. How can the Suns pass on him twice?

Nikola Jokic will also be an unrestricted free agent.

It would be dumb for the Nuggets to let him walk. However, what if he makes a power move and comes to Phoenix to build a twin tower duo that will win championships?

Speaking of big men: Joel Embiid.

Philadelphia already paid Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris, and sooner or later Embiid will need huge money.

What if the Sixers decide to go with Simmons instead of Joel and let the center walk – right to Phoenix where we will embrace him with open arms!

Lastly, Zion Williamson.

Could he maneuver a very similar move that LeBron James did? Leave a team he helped build to play with two other superstars?

Granted he would be restricted coming off of his rookie contract, but then again, isn’t it his choice?

In a league that strictly revolves around the players, and it is now known as “a players league,” it is hard to see the Phoenix Suns not enticing stars to come to the Valley in the near future.

Right now it is hard because the Phoenix Suns have what seems to be a very young average-team, while being in the shadows of veteran and legit superteams.

But fans are well aware now that it all comes down to a little patience.