Optimism in the Valley has waned for the Phoenix Suns lately. Falling to seventh in the Western Conference standings and star guard Devin Booker’s ankle injury have dampened hopes for a deep playoff run. Yet, TNT analyst and 20-year pro Jamal Crawford remain optimistic.
“I think they’re absolutely on the right path,” he said. “I think to be honest with you they’re built for the playoffs. I think they’ll have more success there. I think this right now is getting a rhythm, getting habits.”
When discussing the strengths and weaknesses of the Big 3, Jamal Crawford pointed out health as a drawback, preventing the Suns from showcasing their full potential due to insufficient time together.
“In spurts they’ve just looked absolutely dynamic and I’m holding onto that hope that that’s who they’ll be in the playoffs,” Crawford said.
The three-time Sixth Man of the Year winner, who played one season in Phoenix alongside Booker, drew parallels to the late 2000s Boston Celtics, featuring a Big 3 of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen. Crawford highlighted how the Celtics needed time to gel and understand each other, a process he believes the current Suns group also requires.
“When you have a Big 3 like they have, I really believe it’s just going to take time. … With these three guys, you got two guys that are really young and KD is still at such a high level we can say he’s young as well in that way who can still get it done at the highest level,” he said. “So that’s just gonna take time to work out the kinks.”
