Could we see the Big Three? Finally?
Hope.
It’s something fans of the Phoenix Suns have been holding on to since the start of the 2023-24 season. Hope that the offensive firepower would be difficult for opposing teams to overcome. Hope that the offseason acquisition of Bradley Beal would equate to a championship for the long-suffering franchise.
Thus far this season, however, the Suns have yet to see all three take the court in uniform at the same time. The team has suffered numerous setbacks relative to injury, with Bradley Beal being the Sun most often listed as “out” on the injury report. The three-time All Star has been dealing with lower back issues since the preseason and hasn’t played a game since scoring 15 points in a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on November 12.
Beal has been working hard to get back on the court, as Frank Vogel noted earlier this week. “We feel like he’s going to get back to full strength soon,” the Suns’ head coach stated on December 5th.
“Soon” could mean this Tuesday as the Golden State Warriors come to town. The Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin reported that Beal is on course to return for that matchup.
Barring any setbacks, Bradley Beal (back) on course to play Tuesday vs. Golden State, sources have told The Republic.
Beal has played in just three games with Phoenix Suns.
Last played Nov. 12 vs. OKC.
Full participant Sunday practice. Averaging 17.3 points this season.
#Suns pic.twitter.com/EJWzNjiABc— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) December 10, 2023
“That’s the nightmares that all coaches have trying to guard Brad. He’s a problem,” Devin Booker stated after practice on Sunday in regards to Beal’s return, adding, “Excited, can’t wait for the world to see.”
Yes, we cannot wait either, Devin. The addition of Brad Beal to the Suns’ starting lineup will do a multitude of things. It will reset the rotations, it will add dynamic scoring, it will create gravitational spacing that will unlock multiple players on the team.
But will the Big Three finally make their debut? Kevin Durant sat out the Suns’ loss to the Kings on Friday with an ankle sprain, an injury suffered against the Los Angeles Lakers last Tuesday. Will one week be enough time for KD to heal?
“Kevin did not participate [in practice],” Frank Vogel said of Kevin Durant on Sunday.
So this may be a “tag, you’re it situation” as Beal potentially returns. We will simply have to wait — like we have all season — and see.
Regardless of KD’s availability, Beal’s return would mark the first time that both he and Devin Booker take the court together.