Former NBA Champion Says Suns Shouldn't be Favorites in Western Conference

Despite having a ton of star power, Rajon Rondo is concerned about the Phoenix Suns this postseason due to their depth.

The Phoenix Suns are the favorite by many to win the Western Conference, and with players like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Chris Pau,l they are certainly a team that should be feared.

However, the Suns' depth has some concerned including NBA champion Rajon Rondo.

“The depth - say KD goes for 30, Book goes for 30 and Paul goes for 20. I mean that's not enough points as a team to win in the West,” Rando said on ESPN’s First Take.

Full video:

.@RajonRondo has the Lakers and Clippers as his favorites in the West right now 👀 pic.twitter.com/8nIzyQj2cJ

— First Take (@FirstTake) April 11, 2023

Rando poses a good point: Phoenix’s bench has struggled to score late in the regular season.

However, come playoff time, Durant and Booker will be playing 40 plus minutes a night and at least one of them will be on the floor with the second unit. Durant and Booker’s presence on the court will open up the floor for players on the second unit to get open shots.

Despite struggles down the stretch to score, the Suns' bench still ranked sixth in offensive rating and third in net rating. Phoenix has strong spot-up shooters off the bench to pair up with Durant such as Terrence Ross, Landry Shamet and Damion Lee.

The Suns also have talent off the bench that could contribute on the defensive side of the ball including Torrey Craig and Bismack Biyombo.

Star power could only take a team so far. It takes a whole team to win a championship. While most of the pressure will be on Durant, Booker and Paul, the Suns will need the other supporting players to show up in a huge way if they are to go on a deep playoff run.

The Suns open their first round series against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, April 16.