LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 24: Phoenix Suns Deandre Ayton, Chris Paul, Cameron Johnson, and Devin Booker break a huddle during the Phoenix Suns game versus the Los Angeles Clippers game 3 NBA, Basketball Herren, USA Western Conference Finals game on June 24, 2021, at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire NBA: JUN 24 Western Conference Final - Suns at Clippers Icon210624020
The Adelaide 36ers shockingly defeated the Phoenix Suns in their first preseason game of the year
Earlier this week, the Phoenix Suns played their first preseason game of the year against the Adelaide 36ers. The game ended in a shocking loss for the Suns with the Adelaide 36ers winning 134-124. The Adelaide 36ers Phoenix Suns result has shocked fans, players and the media alike.
A number of NBA legends and current players took the chance to express their shock on social media. The most accurate response that seemed to sum up the situation came from Jamal Crawford.
Crawford’s tweet is quite apt considering the fact that the players that beat the Suns are unknown. Craig Randall and Robert Franks are two such players and scored 35 and 32 points against the Suns. Both Randall and Franks are both undrafted players and they beat a Suns team who played their starters for significant minutes.
The Suns are having a number of chemistry issues with rumours swirling around Jae Crowder and Deandre Ayton. Ayton is unhappy that the Suns did not offer him a max deal and only gave him the contract when they matched the Indiana Pacers offer-sheet.
Unless the Suns solve the issue surrounding their team, it may be an obstacle to future success. If Crowder leaves it’ll impact the Suns spacing and defense but he can be replaced via trade. But if the Suns can’t solve the Ayton issue he may request a trade and replacing him would be difficult.
Phoenix are facing a real crisis in terms of player satisfaction. If Ayton and Crowder both leave the Suns will be left with Devin Booker and Mikal Bridges and at that point Booker may question the Suns direction as well.
The Phoenix Suns need to deal with their player crisis as soon as possible and keep the squad together. If not, they might find themselves going from a perennial championship contender to a team fighting to make the playoffs.
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