The demise of the Phoenix Suns superteam signals a shift away from reliance on Big Threes in the NBA, emphasizing the importance of fit, chemistry, and continuity over star-studded trios. Phoenix's struggles stemmed from inconsistent bench scoring and the limitations of a top-heavy model.

By the Numbers
  • The Suns bench had the third-worst offensive rating (ORTG) in the league.
  • In the 2023-2024 season, the Suns bench ranked 28th in ORTG, 3rd in DRTG, 18th in Net Rating, and 15th in Effective Field Goal Percentage (EFG%).
  • League average EFG% has grown by 9.4% since 2011, highlighting the increase in the league's scoring efficiency.
Yes, But

The Suns' failure cannot solely be attributed to individuals' performances, as it also reflects a larger issue with the Big Three model and the team's lack of depth and offensive consistency.

State of Play
  • The NBA is witnessing a shift towards valuing fit, chemistry, and continuity over assembling star-studded Big Threes.
  • Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, and Milwaukee Bucks have showcased success by prioritizing team cohesion and depth over top-heavy superstar lineups.
  • Phoenix Suns face offseason challenges focusing on coaching, depth, and the need to transition away from the outdated Big Three model towards a more cohesive roster.
What's Next

Phoenix Suns must prioritize building chemistry, enhancing roster fit, and aiming for a whole that exceeds the sum of individual parts to contend effectively in the evolving NBA landscape.

Bottom Line

The Phoenix Suns' early exit underscores the shortcomings of the Big Three approach, urging teams to prioritize cohesion, depth, and teamwork over reliance on a star-studded trio for sustained success in the league.