1. Offensive rating
The most obvious answer here, as a result of the insane talent at the disposal of the Suns. Last season, the team ranked 14th in offensive rating (114.5). In the eight games after the front office traded for Durant, that number inched upwards to 114.8.
There is little doubt that the trio of Booker, Durant and Beal (who are already putting in work together) can push the franchise closer to the league-leading Sacramento Kings of 2022-23, who came in at 118.6. Not only is that number the Kings put up last season mightily impressive, it is the highest offensive rating in league history. Not a bad target to aim for then.
Not enough excitement for the Kings heading into the season. 48 wins and the 3 seed last season. Fox, Monk, Sabonis, Huerter all in their primes and certainly still young enough to get even better. Keegan could make a big leap in year two. Added Duarte and EuroLeague MVP Vezenkov pic.twitter.com/XsFxoCGgBu
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) August 31, 2023
It seems obvious that the Suns will easily surpass what they managed last season, but their player personnel once again require that it happens too. The Suns could yet surprise us defensively, but the game plan remains outscoring opponents, at least during the regular season.
Booker put up a playoff leading 33.7 points per contest last year. Durant has averaged 27.5 points across his time with both the Suns and Nets. In other words, he’s been a near 30 point a night scorer even after suffering serious injuries in the past. We all know you’re getting at least 20 points a night from Beal. At least.
The Kings might have a deadly duo in Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox, two players the Suns could have had themselves, but the talent of the Suns surpasses that easily. It is about now putting it all together on the court, but no matter what the organization are going to be better than last season offensively. They’ll be able to do this without even really trying.