The Phoenix Suns have underperformed this season, and that much is obvious.

The Suns, who have stars like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal in addition to championship-winning coach Frank Vogel, are fighting to escape play-in tournament zone with just eight games left.

Supporters have expressed their anger. After endless articles about it in the local media, one of the biggest names in sports has now weighed in.
Stephen A. Smith, who is frequently boisterous and self-assured, joined Tim Legler and Shannon Sharpe on ESPN’s First Take to talk about the Suns’ disappointing season:

“There are a few people to blame, but I’ll start with Frank Vogel because, as Tim Legler is aware, they have played really poorly in the fourth quarter, especially on defense. We cannot overlook that,” Smith remarked.

At position two, you have Jusuf Nurkic. Once more, he’s not Deandre Ayton; you can genuinely rely on and trust him. Without intending to be disparaging, Deandre Ayton wasn’t content in Phoenix. On certain days, he was, to put it mildly, somewhat erratic. He didn’t always turn up, but on certain occasions he did. That was one area where he was unreliable. 

However, Nurkic is. Regarding his identity: you get what I mean? Whatever he is, that’s who he is. He doesn’t have a temperament that will get in the way. You don’t have to be concerned about his personality or anything else getting in the way since the game is there or it isn’t. There will be less for you to worry about if you know you have that person to rely on—someone who is a big body who can go out there and give you a little points, give you some production rebounding.

“You have to think defensively if you’re Frank Vogel. You are an NBA head coach because of this. Because of your offensive genius and ability to be a maestro on the offensive side of the ball, you are not the head coach. It’s because of your defensive work in Indiana that you are here. What defensive action you took in Los Angeles. What is the Phoenix Suns’ current situation? Thus, we had to consider it from that angle. “

“Taking a look at Beal, Booker, and KD together, their record was 21-13 in games played. I apologize; I had higher hopes. What is 21-13 for all three of you in the lineup? Just eight games above, really?You can’t possibly do better than 500? I believe that you ought to. That brings us to number three.”

“The fourth number. Shannon, Legs is aware of my feelings on Devin Booker. I don’t know if you’re aware, but I’ve compared him to Kobe a lot. I adore my brother. I consider myself to be among Devin Booker’s most ardent supporters. 

“Okay, this brother is the real deal. He is unique, has the necessary skills and mindset, and remains resilient under stressful situations. Maybe he’s more effective than he is sometimes, but that’s not because he’s faltering and shrinking under duress; rather, it’s either your shot falls or it doesn’t, and he doesn’t lack confidence. He’s still coming at you.”

“KD Please let us view that. You are the two-time winner. You have won MVP of the NBA Finals twice. You know this is your team, right? Devin Booker is on the team as well, but you, KD, are the victor. You, the MVP of the NBA Finals twice. You rank among the NBA’s all-time top scorers. Why is this happening? It’s great to see you in a playoff atmosphere, Bradley Beal. As far as the nation’s capital is concerned, it hasn’t had one of those for a long time. Given your circumstances, we would also anticipate more from you.”

On Wednesday, the 44-31 Suns will play host to the Cleveland Cavaliers.