It’s far too early to call the NBA Finals contenders, but some analysts are already highlighting teams with championship potential. On ESPN’s “First Take,” Kendrick Perkins dropped a bold prediction: his “dark horse” pick to win it all is none other than the Phoenix Suns.
“They check all boxes,” Perkins asserted. “They upgraded at the point guard position…the big man position…Bradley Beal looks 100% healthy…we saw what Devin Booker did last night.” The Suns’ Monday night win over the Los Angeles Lakers, with a 109-105 score, gave a glimpse of what this newly revamped roster could achieve. Booker, Durant, and Beal were in top form, and complementary players like Royce O’Neale and rookie Ryan Dunn shined as well.
But, for Perkins, the biggest reason to believe in Phoenix is Kevin Durant. Perkins pointed out that Durant had an exceptional season last year despite his reported dissatisfaction with the coaching staff. “The most important piece is Kevin Durant,” he said, noting that with a coach Durant respects, he could be even more lethal.
However, talent alone isn’t a ticket to the Finals. Phoenix has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons, and that remains their biggest hurdle. If any of their stars—Booker, Beal, or Durant—face long-term injury issues, the Suns’ championship hopes could take a hit.
Additionally, the Western Conference is stacked this year. Teams like the Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, and Los Angeles Clippers are all poised to make deep playoff runs, making the Suns’ path to the Finals anything but easy. While Perkins is betting on Phoenix’s consistency and depth to carry them far, the grueling Western Conference will be a true test.
With their trio of superstars and a fortified roster, the Suns have everything they need to compete—but the season will reveal if they have what it takes to overcome their injury woes and battle their way through a loaded Western Conference. If they do, Perkins’ prediction could prove prophetic.
