The Phoenix Suns were already a contender, even despite all the injuries and ups and downs this season.
Obviously, adding Kevin Durant put them at least a couple of steps above the rest, even in the stacked Western Conference.
On paper, Monty Williams has the best team in the league — or at least the best starting five — and should find little-to-no trouble going up in the standings.
However, NBA analyst Nick Wright believes they’re far from a lock to get the job done, as they need to make sure to stay healthy throughout the end of the season and the playoffs.
Wright explained how the Suns should be concerned the most about injuries — even more than the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers — and he was right on point:
“Phoenix on paper has everything you want. But the injuries are a bigger concern for the Suns than any team in the league, including the Lakers and Clippers,” Wright said.
"Phoenix on paper has everything you want. But the injuries are a bigger concern for the Suns than any team in the league, including the Lakers & Clippers." — @getnickwright pic.twitter.com/9UNNg9jkPM
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) February 24, 2023
Devin Booker suffered a soft-tissue injury that has kept him on the shelf for a big stretch of the season, and those tend to linger for months.
Chris Paul has always been injury-prone, and he’s not getting any younger.
It’s rare to see him at full strength in the postseason.
And Durant has suffered multiple injuries since coming back from that major injury a couple of years ago, so his availability has also been in question more often than not.
The Suns are by far the most talented team in the league right now, and they have the potential to be historically great.
But it doesn’t mean anything if they can’t actually suit up and set foot on the basketball court.
NEXT: Nick Wright Says It Would Be Shocking If 1 NBA Team Doesn't Win West
