The Phoenix Suns entered the 2024-25 NBA season with high expectations. With a star-studded lineup featuring Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, many fans and analysts anticipated the team would be a serious contender in the Western Conference. However, things haven’t gone according to plan, and former NBA champion and current ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins isn’t holding back his thoughts. According to Perkins, the Suns’ season is already over, and their championship hopes are as good as dead.
Perkins, known for his strong and often controversial takes, recently voiced his opinion on the Suns’ struggles. He pointed out the team’s inconsistency, lack of depth, and defensive shortcomings as key reasons why Phoenix has fallen behind in the race for a championship. “I hate to say it, but the Suns ain’t built for a deep playoff run. This season is a wrap!” Perkins said during a recent ESPN segment.
The Suns’ Struggles
Coming into the season, many believed Phoenix had assembled one of the most potent offensive teams in the league. But basketball isn’t just about offense. Injuries have plagued the Suns, preventing them from building chemistry. Both Durant and Beal have missed crucial games, leaving Booker to carry much of the offensive load. Without a reliable supporting cast stepping up, the team has struggled against elite competition.
One of the biggest issues for the Suns has been their defense. While Durant and Booker are elite scorers, neither is known for their defensive prowess. The team lacks a true defensive anchor in the paint, and their perimeter defense has been inconsistent at best. Opposing teams have exploited this weakness, leading to multiple losses against playoff-caliber squads.
Lack of Depth and Role Players
Perkins also criticized the Suns for failing to build a strong bench. “After the Big Three, who else do you trust?” he questioned. The Suns’ role players, including Jusuf Nurkić, Grayson Allen, and Eric Gordon, have had their moments, but they haven’t been consistent enough to give the team an edge against deep and well-balanced opponents like the Denver Nuggets or Minnesota Timberwolves.
This lack of depth has been exposed throughout the season. When one of the Suns’ stars has been sidelined, there hasn’t been enough firepower to keep the team afloat. Teams like Denver, Boston, and Milwaukee have reliable benches that can step up when needed. Phoenix simply doesn’t have that luxury.
Are the Suns Done?
Perkins’ statement might sound harsh, but it isn’t entirely unfounded. The Suns currently find themselves fighting for positioning in the Western Conference, and unless something drastically changes, they could be looking at an early playoff exit. If injuries persist and the team continues to struggle defensively, Perkins’ prediction may very well come true.
That said, basketball is unpredictable. With three elite scorers, the Suns still have the potential to turn things around. But as things stand, Kendrick Perkins believes the Suns’ season is already over, and fans might need to shift their expectations for what this team can realistically achieve.
