The 2023-24 NBA season has been a rollercoaster for the Phoenix Suns, whose high hopes after acquiring Bradley Beal have fizzled out with a disappointing 11th place standing in the Western Conference, boasting a subpar 19-20 record.
In this episode, Gilbert Arenas & the Gil’s Arena Crew break down the disappointing season for Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and Devin Booker and debate if this poor showing from one of the NBA’s most hyped squads is enough for NBA teams to move to a team centric approach over simply gathering stars.
After the Suns added Bradley Beal to their roster in 2023, expectations were sky-high. With Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Beal on the same team, many envisioned a potential dynasty in the making. However, the Suns’ current underperformance has left fans and analysts scratching their heads. Despite having three potential Hall of Famers, the Suns are failing to live up to their preseason hype, ranking a disappointing 11th in the Western Conference.
Even more concerning is Beal’s situation—moved to the bench despite earning more than $50 million this season. The crew delves into the puzzling nature of the Suns’ season, questioning whether the star-studded roster is enough on its own to win championships in today’s NBA.
As Arenas and his team break down the Suns’ issues, they argue that perhaps the traditional “Big 3” approach is no longer the formula for success. With three massive names underperforming, they wonder if NBA teams should shift their focus to building cohesive, well-rounded teams rather than simply stacking superstars. They speculate that the Phoenix Suns’ struggles could signal the death of the Big 3 era and might prompt a wider shift in team-building strategies across the league.
A critical element in the Suns’ struggle is the absence of a solid supporting cast around their stars. The Gil’s Arena crew notes that the team is lacking “dogs”—tough, gritty role players who can step up in clutch moments. They specifically call for players in the mold of PJ Tucker or Grayson Allen—guys who can provide the toughness and reliability needed to complement the star power of Durant, Booker, and Beal.
Without those essential pieces, the Suns’ star-studded lineup risks being nothing more than a collection of individual talents, unable to function as a championship contender. The crew expresses frustration at how the lack of chemistry and depth has impacted the Suns’ performance.
Amid the Suns’ struggles, a potential game-changer sits on their bench: Bol Bol. The conversation takes a deep dive into whether the Suns should give Bol more consistent playing time, especially with a more substantial role (20-30 minutes per game). One member of the panel is strongly in favor of seeing what Bol can bring to the table, suggesting that the team may be missing an opportunity to unlock a hidden gem. However, other panelists express skepticism, citing concerns about his fit in the team’s current structure.
Given the Suns’ ongoing issues, giving Bol Bol a more prominent role could be a risk worth taking if they hope to turn things around and capitalize on his potential.
The discussion wraps up with a comparison between Austin Reeves of the Lakers and Bradley Beal. While Beal has underwhelmed as the third star in Phoenix, Reeves has stepped up for the Lakers in a bigger way than many expected. The panel debates whether Beal, currently struggling to find his rhythm, could perform better on a team where he’s given the primary role or if his recent dip in form is a sign that the NBA landscape has changed, and his style of play may not work as it once did.
