Despite having a busy offseason, there is a feeling of familiarity about the Phoenix Suns ahead of the 2024-25 season. They might have a new head coach in Mike Budenholzer - and three young players added to their books - but the core of this group has remained intact.
With Royce O'Neale signing a new deal and even Josh Okogie and Bol Bol back for another season, much of what the Suns put on the court next season we will have seen before. Monte Morris and Mason Plumlee might be new recruits, but that's hardly reason to think much is going to change.
In fact the Suns are going to return all five of the same starters on opening night, and each has a big question lingering over their heads.
The questions vary wildly as well, especially given the star trio on this roster aren't going anywhere. Owner Mat Ishbia has gone all in on this group, and 2024-25 will be the season when we really find out just how wise a move that was. Answering these questions will see this roster go a long way.
Devin Booker - Can he be the MVP of the league?
Franchise cornerstone Devin Booker will be entering his 10th season with the Suns, in what is sure to make a certain section of the fanbase feel old. Personal accolades have never appeared to matter much to the player, which might make the question of winning the MVP a strange one.
But if the Suns are to reach the promised land, then Booker needs to turn in unquestionably the best season of his career. He'll turn 28 at the end of October, which should signal the beginning of his peak as a basketball player. If he could lead this team to one of the top seeds while putting up 27 points and eight assists each night, he'll be right in that conversation.
🇺🇸 @MGMRewards Player Profile: Devin Booker
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 14, 2024
One mission: Bring home a second gold medal. pic.twitter.com/KbS6UskZax
A crack at the MVP award is important to Booker for another reason, and that is his own legacy. If he never wins a championship in Phoenix - something that would take him from superstar to living legend - then the next best thing he can do is be the first Sun since Steve Nash to win the award.
Jayson Tatum and Jamal Murray - two players Booker is often mentioned alongside - both have rings now. Neither has been an MVP though, and that hardwood would give Booker more of a case to say he is the best player of the three. He may already be the best player in franchise history, but this would all but solidify it.