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Phoenix Suns: 3 Questions will determine how special the Suns can be

By Daniel Outerbridge

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 05: Devin Booker #1 and Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns celebrate during Game Three of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals at Footprint Center on May 05, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Nuggets 121-114. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 05: Devin Booker #1 and Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns celebrate during Game Three of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals at Footprint Center on May 05, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Nuggets 121-114. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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NBA Phoenix Suns Josh Okogie
NBA Phoenix Suns Josh Okogie (Chris Coduto-USA TODAY Sports) /

Will the Phoenix Suns be able to defend?

Outside of the Phoenix Suns’ Big 3, there are limited scoring threats on the roster. Eric Gordon should provide some scoring punch coming off the bench. He has a 16-points-per-game career average and will more than likely lead the Suns’ second unit. Gordon should prove his worth especially come playoff time as he has experienced many battles in the postseason.

We know that the Suns offense will be able to score in bunches but how will they fare when it’s time to defend and get stops when it matters most? Defense is mostly effort and attitude and the Suns have players who can get it done on the defensive end. Let’s start with Booker. As an above-average defender, Booker doesn’t back down from a challenge and will guard the opposing team’s top-scoring option if asked.

He has a bit of a mean streak and isn’t afraid to get in the face of his opponent. Booker did average 1.0 steals per game last season and the Suns should be able to count on him to give maximum effort his year. Durant’s defense has gotten better as his career has progressed. He uses his length well as he deters guards from driving into the lane and challenges jump shooters to try and shoot over him.

It won’t be a surprise to see Durant average around 1.5 blocks per game as he is good at also playing help defense around the paint. Josh Okogie is a defensive specialist and a player the Suns will depend on throughout the season and down the stretch. Okogie is always all over the floor and just gets after it. He is almost always in the right position defensively and always brings good energy and hustles non-stop.

If there is anything such as a clutch defender, then Okogie fits the definition. He is great at baiting players into turnovers and disguising angles and can jump passing lanes with ease. The Suns also signed 7-foot-2 center Bol Bol over the summer and the Suns can also use his lengthy wing span to help protect the paint.

As long as he puts up the effort, Bol could become one of the top shot blockers in the NBA. Bol also needs to bring a level of physicality and begin to establish his presence. Opposing players should be having second thoughts whenever Bol is in the game patrolling the paint.

Jusuf Nurkic was also acquired in the trade that sent Deandre Ayton to Portland. Nurkic is another high-energy guy who is not afraid to get physical and do the dirty work inside the paint. He is a rugged rim protector and averages 1.2 blocks per game in his career. If Okogie, Bol, and Nurkic can do the dirty work on the defensive end, it will take a lot of pressure off of the Big 3.

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