“Suns May Have Killed It”: Stephen A. Smith Foresees The End Of ‘Super Team Era’ Started By LeBron, D-Wade, Chris Bosh

Ever since the Phoenix Suns formed their Big 3, they struggled to get their footing right in the league. On top of it, it took them more than a month to play a game together because of the plaguing injuries. Eventually, after all the noise, Kevin Durant & Co. had one of the most embarrassing exits from their postseason with a series sweep in the First Round. Following the humiliation, Stephen A. Smith made his case about the end of the super team, which was started by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh.

In the latest episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, the veteran analyst ripped apart the Suns’ Big 3. He said,” Miami Heat may have created the super team model… But the Phoenix Suns may have killed it with the three names.” Following that, he went on to list the issues with the side. Smith added, “The team could never stay healthy, find a rhythm, and ultimately ended the season yesterday.” Notably, he also handed a due credit to the rising superstar, Anthony Edwards.

In 2010, the Miami Heat shook the NBA world when they roped in LeBron James and Chris Bosh and paired them with Dwyane Wade. It was probably the first instance when superstars from different teams were brought together. The partnership immediately clicked as they appeared in four straight Finals and won two back-to-back. Notably, it marked the arrival of King James in the NBA world, after he won two Finals MVPs.

Since then the hoops community has witnessed various super team formations like the Lob City Clippers with Blake Griffin, Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan, Brooklyn Nets with Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and James Harden, and many more. Apart from the Warriors union (KD, Steph, and Klay) and the 2010 Heat, none of the teams saw much success.

Now, Stephen A. Smith even predicted the end of such teams in the league. Currently, the Clippers with Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook have a lot to prove to the veteran analyst.

How did the Suns’ super team collapse?

Just like every other super team, after roping in Bradley Beal in the 2023 off-season, it created a massive frenzy in the NBA world. The Suns set their championship aspirations loud and clear. Nevertheless, they didn’t have enough time to prepare before setting their foot on the playoff.

Beal suffered a back injury at the start of the season and didn’t join the team for over a month. It took the team a lot of time to even to see the Big 3 together on the court. Apart from that, D-Book also suffered minor injuries (ankle, hip, calf) throughout the season.

Nevertheless, nothing can take away the brilliance that Anthony Edwards brought to the court. The Minnesota Timberwolves rising superstar helped the franchise win their first playoff series in 20 years. Even Kevin Durant had promising words on him despite getting swept in his hands. KD said, “So impressed by Ant. My favorite player in the league to watch….love everything about Ant.” 

Will the league cut some slack for the Suns after losing to Ant-Man? Let us know in the comments.