Paul Pierce joined Rachel Nichols and Skip Bayless on tonight’s episode of UNDISPUTED. Hours away from the start of the 2023-2024 season, the trio discussed what this season might entail. One of the things that came up, as expected, surrounded the game between the Phoenix Suns and the Golden State Warriors. The two teams kick off their seasons against each other and as such, the panel wondered who among Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant would be able to lead their team to success. A valid debate, but Rachel Nichols did not agree. She believes that the focus should be on 26-year-old Devin Booker instead, and how he will be the key to any success the Suns have this year.
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Rachel Nichols points to Devin Booker as the key piece for the Phoenix Suns in 2023-2024
As things stand, the Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns are two of the best teams in the NBA, let alone the Western Conference. Prior to their clash tonight, the two teams were the topic of discussion on UNDISPUTED, featuring Paul Pierce, Rachel Nichols, and Skip Bayless. The main points that were covered when discussing the two teams were, as expected, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry.
The two gentlemen suggested that KD and Steph are undoubtedly the leaders on their teams, and wondered who might be more capable of helping their team win an NBA Championship. An interesting argument, but the basis of it is something Rachel Nichols doesn’t agree with.
In her opinion, Devin Booker is the most crucial piece for the Phoenix Suns. Given his age, skill, and ability, Booker is likely to be a better option as a leader in the long term. While she did acknowledge Steph’s ability and did not deny she would pick him with a game on the line, she pointed out that there is a whole season ahead. As such, D-Book leading the team with KD complimenting him makes the Suns a bigger threat.
“It’s not about KD vs Steph. To me, it’s about Devin Booker. You talk about how old these guys are, Devin Booker is 26 years old. Did you know Steph’s first season with the Warriors? Devin Booker was 10! So, we are talking about a huge gap between prime of their career. Now, by the way, I’m in no way saying that if I had to win one game, one night with one guy…Steph Curry would be at the top of my list for who my first pick would be.
However, we’re not talking about one game. We’re talking about a season, we’re talking about a Playoff run. And, I think if you look at what the Suns have led by Devin Booker with then Kevin Durant as the compliment, with Kevin Durant as the sniper…I think they have a fuller roster than last year and that they’re going to be the bigger threat.”
Will Kevin Durant or Steph Curry lead their teams further?
“This is not KD vs. Steph. It’s about Devin Booker. The Suns led by Booker with KD as the complement are the bigger threat.” — @Rachel__Nichols pic.twitter.com/DndBJZr3nz
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) October 24, 2023
It certainly is quite the take and one that makes sense on paper. But, at the end of the day, facts are better than theories. And, as the facts show, KD and Steph have far more experience leading teams than Booker. Nevertheless, anything can happen. And once the 2023-2024 season comes to a close, things might be very different.
The Suns have assembled a roster led by three dominant scorers
The Phoenix Suns enter the 2023-2024 season with a whole new roster. They’ve completely revamped the line-up, and as such are considered by many as one of the favorites to win it all. This is thanks to the new trio of dominant scorers they have assembled in Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant. All three men are elite players, who can score from anywhere on the court.
With D-Book running the point, Beal and Durant take up the wing spots making for a lethal combination. Through pre-season, they averaged double digits in points and looked solid as a unit. It may take some time, but their ability to mesh and play together is already coming to the forefront.
Admittedly, it will be interesting to see what the season has in store for them.
