What is the deal with ESPN and the Phoenix Suns?

In what seems to be a semi-annual tradition, ESPN discusses the Phoenix Suns-but only when talking about how Booker should play on another team.

I’m not sure what ESPN (specifically First Take) has against Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns.

I’m not even talking about ESPN not showing the Suns on national television at least ONCE. When they aren’t debating whether or not Booker is overrated or if he should be traded to the Lakers for noted centerpiece Kyle Kuzma, the First Take crew seems content to focus what little time they spend addressing the Phoenix Suns to how they can get their star player on another team.

First take seems to want to break up a team faster than a new front office.

In the past, these low-blows that double as team commentary were bad but expected. The Suns have spent most of the past 10 years being terrible. We know this, this isn’t new information. When a situation like that happens, sports fans (and sports shows) spend an inordinate amount of time trying to “free” the few solid players or stars that the unfortunate team has, so that they can insert them back into relevant conversations in the future.

The fact that ESPN seems to want to focus on this one topic is unfortunate. It is like an itch that can’t be scratched, not due to lack of trying, just because it keeps moving around. We’ve all had those. My theory is that Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns are ESPN/First Take’s itch.

“He’s overrated!” “The team is terrible!” “His scoring doesn’t help the team win!” “Devin Booker isn’t an all-star!” “Sarver is one of the most horrible owners in the NBA!” (Well that last one……)

No matter the argument, no matter how many times the negative topic is moved around, the bottom line is that at the end of the day, the Phoenix Suns aren’t getting a gift basket in terms of positive coverage from ESPN. But why is it so hard to find any positives?

The Phoenix Suns have greatly improved this season. Devin Booker was an all-star and the supporting cast was much stronger than it has been in previous seasons. A solid foundation seems to be in place and with it, a pretty clear blueprint.

No matter what is talked about on First Take, at least this much is clear. There are positives for both Booker AND the Suns this season. You just have to look.