The Phoenix Suns were all over the headlines this offseason following the blockbuster trade to acquire Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards.
The former Wizards star’s arrival completed the Suns’ Big 3 of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.
But like every team in the NBA, the Suns needed depth to truly become contenders for the 2024 NBA Championship.
One move that the Suns made was acquiring sharpshooter Yuta Watanabe in free agency.
Kevin Durant revealed that he played a crucial role in helping the Suns recruit the Japanese international player via Gerald Bourguet on Twitter.
“We hope for big things from him this season, and I love that everybody’s been enjoying the way he’s been playing in practice thus far,” Durant said.
Kevin Durant said once he learned Yuta Watanabe was a target for the Suns in free agency, he reached out to help recruit him.
“We hope for big things from him this season, and I love that everybody’s been enjoying the way he’s been playing in practice thus far.” pic.twitter.com/LqOwQMdknZ
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) October 6, 2023
Durant shared the court with Watanabe last season playing for the Nets.
The 28-year-old marksman impressed many with his elite three-point shooting early in the 2022-23 NBA season.
He finished the season while shooting 44.4% from long-range.
Considering Durant personally recruited him, it is more than enough to explain the potential that Watanabe holds.
Another quality that Watanabe possesses is his 6’9″ stature, which could help the Suns in putting him on to bigger defenders in games.
With the Suns finally improving the depth of their roster throughout the summer, they are now legitimately viewed as the team to beat in the Western Conference.
The Suns should at least make it to the 2024 NBA Finals, given the strength of their roster.
All things considered, the only thing that could hold the team back is injuries.
Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal have become extremely injury-prone over the last couple of years, and it could hinder the Suns’ title aspirations.
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