There’s a new kind of expectation for the Phoenix Suns this season

The Phoenix Suns are embarking on a new era under the leadership of Devin Booker, with no fixed expectations for the current season, allowing the team to focus on growth and re-establishing a winning culture. This lack of pressure provides an opportunity for development, despite external predictions, such as from Bleacher Report, forecasting only 26 wins, as the author believes the team has the potential to be special in the open and competitive landscape of the NBA.

Recent roster changes have seen the Suns trade Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, bringing in younger players and potential future contributors, including Dillon Brooks, who is expected to help set a defensive and hard-working team culture. The modern NBA trend emphasizes youth and athleticism over stacking superstars, a strategy exemplified by teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Suns have added to this approach with draft picks such as Ryan Dunn, Khaman Maluach, and Rasheer Flemming, though no specific floor or ceiling is set for their performance.

Devin Booker, as the franchise player and veteran leader, is supported by experienced teammates like Royce O'Neale and Dillon Brooks, who will mentor younger players and set expectations. The team is compared to the previous season's Houston Rockets due to their young, athletic talent, but the Suns have an advantage with Booker's superstar caliber, potentially positioning them similarly in the league standings.

If the Suns manage to reach the playoffs, their lack of playoff experience could be a significant hurdle, but the unpredictable nature of the NBA means that a hot streak at the right time could lead to unexpected outcomes. Ultimately, this season will serve as a foundation for the Suns to assess their progress and build towards future success.