Team USA’s men’s basketball team was assembled with the intention of bringing together the best stars from the NBA. In that effort, they brought together players who have often played against each other. But some such as Kevin Durant and Devin Booker are teammates on the Phoenix Suns.
The differing roles of those teammates in the Paris Olympics have brought some questions to the forefront, prime of which is with regards to how it translates to their NBA title winning aspirations. NBA Today on ESPN picked up the discussion surrounding this question. When it was former NBA player and analyst Tim Legler‘s turn, he said:
I’m gonna go with the Phoenix Suns. Kevin Durant was sensational when he came off the bench. But also, Devin Booker, I think the way he’s now viewed. Devin Booker plays a role on this team where he gets so much credit internally. From the coaching staff from his teammates, about being the unsung MVP.
Tim Legler weighed in
Tim Legler suggests that the role Booker played on Team USA could help fix the struggles the Phoenix Suns had last season and Durant having a front court view can help with that transition.
By that, he is talking about the struggles the Suns Big 3 had trying to play alongside each other. In most games, one would come out on top while the other two struggled to take off. But playing on Team USA showed that Booker can take a lesser role if he wants.
That can help Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, two high volume scorers just like himself, to play better. The two-time champion was right in the center of this new role. Therefore, he too can bring some of that knowledge to the Phoenix Suns, as this upcoming season might make or break their team.
Kevin Durant could leave if Phoenix Suns do not win NBA title
Phoenix Suns owner Matt Ishbia banished any doubts of them blowing up the team. Instead, they are going to try to the win the NBA title with this trio. But for soon to be 36-years-old Kevin Durant, it might not make sense if they don’t.
He wants to leave the game as one of the greatest ever to play it. To do that, he knows he needs at least another NBA title on his resume. If the Suns Big 3 philosophy does not work, he might be the first one to leave. His contract will have one year remaining after next season, making him an ideal trade candidate for several teams.
Some teams are already gearing up to offer a trade package for the 4-time Olympic gold medalist. That makes it is a do or die situation for the franchise. Maybe Devin Booker taking on a new role is the answer.
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