I’m continuing to pop open a six-pack of Phoenix Suns topics this week, and while I’ve been sipping on the negative aspects of this team thus far, beer number three has more of an enjoyable taste to it.
Despite the recent struggles, with three consecutive losses and the Phoenix Suns now sitting at 10th in the Western Conference, there are still reasons to find hope. While the Suns’ record might have you questioning how you spend your Tuesday nights, there are still a few glimmers of positivity shining through the fog of frustration.
The offseason roster moves by James Jones, aimed at strengthening the depth around the Big Three, have been successful, at least in the early part of the season. The return of Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale has proven to be a smart move. Both players bring contracts that offer flexibility if the team decides to make changes down the line. However, given the strategy employed by Mike Budenholzer, which emphasizes the need for quality three-point shooters, there’s no reason to consider moving on from either player at this point.
What these additions have provided is much-needed bench depth and stability. Both Allen and O’Neale have the ability to step in and spot-start when needed, and guess what? That need has certainly arisen this season. The Suns’ starters have combined to miss 47 games, ranking fifth in the league for payroll missed at $17.7 million per Spotrac.
Cash total per days missed thus far this season, per @spotrac:
1⃣Pelicans: $23.4M
2⃣Raptors: $21.8M
3⃣76ers: $21.4M
4⃣Clippers: $19.7M
5⃣ Suns: $17.7M
— John Voita (@DarthVoita) December 9, 2024
While it’s true that other teams are facing even worse injury woes, it’s easy to get caught up in the Suns’ bubble and forget the broader context of the NBA. The record certainly raises concerns, but my focus is on what’s happening at the top of the roster, not in the middle. And in the middle, Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale have been stepping up and contributing significantly.
Royce O’Neale recently put together the highest-scoring three-game stretch of his seven-year career, tallying an impressive 58 points. He capped it off with a career-high 23 points against the Miami Heat on Saturday. The only downside to his offensive surge? The Suns lost all three of those games.
We are currently amidst the best three-game scoring span in Royce O'Neale's career. His previous high was 45 points over three games in 2019 with Utah.
He's at 55 points and counting... pic.twitter.com/BuFQbQZc6I
— John Voita (@DarthVoita) December 9, 2024
Still, what O’Neale is doing offensively is nothing short of impressive, especially considering he endured a six-game scoring drought earlier this season. His resilience and ability to bounce back are exactly the kind of contributions the Suns need as they navigate their current struggles.
Royce O’Neale is averaging a career-high 10.8 points this season and playing lights out. Even during this rough patch for the team, individual moments of brilliance like his remind us that personal growth is always possible. O’Neale has exemplified that throughout the season, standing out as a bright spot amidst the challenges.
Grayson Allen is starting to find his groove again. After coming into the season 30 pounds over his playing weight from last year, we might have underestimated the time it would take him to adjust. Throw in a newborn baby and the sleepless nights that come with it, and it’s no wonder his early performances were uneven.
However, given the chance to play on the road, Allen has started to reassert himself as a valuable three-point shooter. The guy who led the league in three-point shooting last season is now up to 38.3% from deep this year. And if you need proof that escaping newborn chaos can work wonders, consider this: he’s shooting just 24.8% from three at home but a scorching 43.5% on the road.
Fatherhood may bring joy, but apparently, it also brings road-game efficiency.
There’s no denying the Phoenix Suns have plenty to fix. Watching this team without Kevin Durant is like being stuck in a long checkout line behind someone paying with newspaper-clipped coupons. Frustrating, slow, and making you question your life choices. (Who even still uses those? And why during peak holiday shopping?) But even in the middle of the chaos, there are things worth appreciating.
Like Royce O’Neale and Grayson Allen.
They’ve been steady contributors, combining for 21.9 points a night and reminding us that success isn’t just about the star power, it’s about the glue guys who hold everything together. O’Neale’s career-best performances and Allen’s rediscovered shooting touch are the kind of things you’d kick yourself for overlooking if you’re too busy ranting about the big picture. And I know. I’ve been ranting a-plenty.
The truth is, if the Suns can get their top-end talent sorted, the mid-tier guys like O’Neale and Allen are locked, loaded, and ready to let those threes fly. It’s easy to focus on what’s broken, especially when you’re stuck waiting, whether for a healthy roster or behind the world’s slowest shopper. But don’t forget to notice what’s working. Because when this team finally starts clicking, these two aren’t just placeholders. They’re the sparks that can help reignite the Suns’ fire.