6 key takeaways from Phoenix Suns epic 22-point comeback win vs Mavericks

5. The Jae Crowder situation won’t distract this team too badly

Crowder’s trade demands have been the main headline for the Suns since it was apparent that Kevin Durant would not be joining the team in the offseason. It honestly comes at a surprise. I was under the impression that Crowder planned on finishing his career with the Suns, helping Paul lead our young core to the promised land.

So what made Crowder want out? It’s been reported that Johnson being elevated to being a starter is what caused a rift between he and the team. That unwillingness to come off the bench either means that Crowder is delusional about his own talent, or doesn’t believe in this roster and doesn’t want to sacrifice for a team that won’t compete for a championship.

I believe Crowder turning his back on the team may be a uniting factor. If my hunch is right and Crowder is leaving the team because he doesn’t view the Suns as serious contenders, this will serve as motivation for the organization. It would be sweet enough for the Suns to shut up their external haters, but proving Crowder wrong after he quit on the team would be icing on the cake.

Given that the Suns are not being looked at as an elite team in this league even after making the Finals in 2021 and then winning 64 games in 2022, I know that they will go into this season with a major chip on their shoulder. This team is mentally tough enough to add more weight to that chip in the form of Crowder.

6. Damion Lee will be a contributor on this team

When the Suns landed Lee in the offseason, I wrote a piece about what I thought he could bring to the team. I acknowledged his shooting prowess and playoff experience, but I was hesitant on co-signing the move to acquire him because I was worried his confidence would be shaken after not playing during the Golden State Warriors’ championship run.

I was completely wrong on that one. Lee is not only confident in his ability, but he is also competent because of that ability to shoot the ball. The Suns lack scoring off the bench and Lee could end up being the main option.

His shooting will allow Lee to play alongside any of the other Phoenix guards. He compliments any of their games without taking anything from any of their own games. He doesn’t need the ball in his hands, so that allows the other guards to create. I think Lee would be deadly if the Suns can acquire another playmaker to backup Paul.

If Lee is on the floor with a good floor general, great things will happen for the Suns. He understands how to play team basketball and he is the epitome of unselfishness. It is a breath of fresh air to have a guard on the bench that I trust to play in tight situations, but the Suns finally got themselves one. Now it’s time to get another.