As a franchise over 50 years in the making, the Phoenix Suns own a rich history, with countless memorable players lucky enough to contribute toward it. Whether playing for just one season, or dedicating their entire careers to the Valley, once you become a Sun, you stay one for life.
But even with so many great talents coming through Phoenix over the years, the Suns still find themselves without a Larry O’Brien trophy to their name, having made the NBA Finals only two other times. Beside them, the Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, Orlando Magic, and Utah Jazz all stand title-less as well, rounding out a list which everyone seems most eager erase their names from.
However, with the Suns advancing the NBA Finals earlier earlier this week, they now own a chance to clean out their trophy case’s cobwebs, and disaffiliate themselves from this “losers club.” Vegas certainly likes their chances to do so, marking Phoenix as a favorite to win it all at -200.
But all those former Suns who too tried to bring Phoenix its first ever NBA Championship must feel at least somewhat jealous right now, only able to sit and watch at this point. How could they not? This looks like perhaps the most fun, and nationally supported Suns team ever assembled, favored to chase down the league’s top prize.
Turning back the clock and allowing any ex-Suns to join this team right before the Finals begin feels like something so far-fetched that it belongs in a Rick and Morty episode. Still though, imagining some different fits with different players gives way to some intriguing combinations worth entertaining, at least as we wait a few more days for the Suns to take the floor on this grandest stage. Morphing together fantasy basketball and time travel, here are three former Suns that would fit well with today’s team, and help them win the NBA Finals.