Importance of Patience in the NBA
The key attribute that distinguishes successful teams from failures in the NBA is patience. Winners understand how to harness it, while the less successful teams constantly struggle as a result. The Phoenix Suns exemplify this trend, and their current situation, in which they are considering trading their all-time leading scorer, underscores their lack of strategic patience.
The Cost of Impatience
Patience is a resource that demands nothing; it requires no specific education, connections, or intricate analysis. However, in the realm of NBA team management, it is arguably more critical than aspects like salary-cap management or scouting. The capacity to endure and avoid hasty decisions that can jeopardize long-term success leads to significant advantages. My years in sports journalism and experience with the Memphis Grizzlies affirm this observation with numerous examples.
The Suns’ Disastrous Turnaround
The Suns, known for their costly and short-sighted decisions, have plummeted out of playoff contention after a recent loss. Three years ago, they boasted a remarkable record of 64-18, contrasting sharply with the Thunder’s 24-58. Now, while the Suns find themselves in disarray, the Thunder have structured their future for dominance over the coming decade.
Lessons from the Thunder
The Thunder’s journey highlights the consequences of one team’s impatience. After acquiring numerous draft picks and an MVP candidate from the Clippers for Paul George, Oklahoma City has patiently built a strong roster without sacrificing their future prospects. Their strategic choices, like moving down in the draft to improve their cap space, stand in stark contrast to the Suns’ impulsive trades.
Cautionary Tale of the Suns
In contrast, the Suns serve as a warning to other franchises. With only Devin Booker remaining from their once-promising lineup, the franchise has traded away crucial assets. New owner Mat Ishbia’s overzealous trades, including an excessive deal for Kevin Durant and a regrettable contract for Bradley Beal, have left the Suns in a precarious position, lacking draft picks and cap flexibility.
Future Options for the Suns
Going forward, the Suns have tough decisions ahead. Trading both Durant and Booker appears necessary for the team to recover draft picks and revitalize their roster. With the current state of the franchise, resisting the urge to chase immediate wins will be crucial. A complete overhaul may be the only viable path to recovery, as clinging to star players could jeopardize their long-term future.
The Need for Patience
Ultimately, the Suns’ predicament serves as a reminder of the value of patience in the NBA. It is a commodity that does not require financial resources or unique skill sets, yet it is often in short supply. Ishbia’s management team must reflect on this reality as they navigate the challenges of the upcoming season.
