Despite enduring one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history—especially considering the lofty expectations entering the year—the Phoenix Suns have fought their way back into the play-in tournament conversation. While their recent surge suggests signs of life, the reality remains that even if they do sneak into the playoffs, they are unlikely to pose a serious threat and could easily face a swift first-round exit.
One key motivation for the Suns to stay competitive is the looming loss of their first-round pick, which will be sent to the Houston Rockets this summer. The front office has a vested interest in finishing as strongly as possible to avoid gifting a high draft pick to a rival. For the players, pride is on the line—superstars Devin Booker and Kevin Durant are not eager to see their season end in disappointment. However, their recent success has created an unexpected dilemma surrounding Bradley Beal.
The Suns have strung together impressive back-to-back wins over the Sacramento Kings—who are just ahead of them in the Western Conference standings—and the Cleveland Cavaliers, one of the league’s top teams despite their recent struggles. This mini-resurgence has coincided with Beal’s absence due to a hamstring injury, which has sparked questions about how he fits within the team’s evolving identity.
Head coach Mike Budenholzer appears to have finally found a working rotation, albeit through a mix of necessity and experimentation. This rotation typically includes nine players, featuring rookies Ryan Dunn, Oso Ighodaro, and Collin Gillespie, who bring energy and defensive effort. Against the Cavaliers, the Suns relied on just eight players, with Booker and Durant leading the way alongside role players like Dunn. With Grayson Allen, Mason Plumlee, and Nick Richards sidelined due to various injuries, Beal’s absence has become the most glaring.
Interestingly, the team looks more cohesive on both ends of the floor without Beal. While he remains willing to adapt—whether starting, coming off the bench, or taking on different roles—his ball-dominant style does not seamlessly fit the current system. Booker and Durant have thrived as the primary offensive engines, while role players like Royce O’Neale (defense and three-point shooting) and Tyus Jones (playmaking) complement them more effectively.
Beal’s defensive limitations further complicate the issue. Despite his offensive skills, the Suns’ net rating plummets to a concerning -7.8 when he is on the floor. This contrast has become impossible to ignore. Before the trade deadline, there were efforts to move Beal, but his no-trade clause blocked any potential deal. At the time, the team’s overall struggles made Beal’s presence feel like just another issue among many. However, now that the Suns are showing signs of improvement without him, reintegrating him into the lineup poses a new challenge.
Over the past two games, the Suns have posted the fifth-best offensive rating in the league (126.9) while maintaining an average defensive rating—far from the bottom of the league, where they ranked in February when Beal was a regular part of the rotation. This recent stretch suggests that the Suns may function better without him, making his return a potentially disruptive factor.
As the season winds down, Budenholzer faces his toughest coaching task yet—figuring out how to balance Beal’s role without jeopardizing the team’s newfound chemistry. If the Suns want to maintain their momentum and secure a spot in the postseason, managing this delicate situation will be crucial.
