After a disappointing loss to the Denver Nuggets, Devin Booker found very little blame. How could he? Throughout the year, especially in the playoffs, he was a model of consistency. Unfortunately, the same wasn’t true for his team. While the league shifts towards balanced rosters, owner Matt Ishbia aimed for bigger names. As a result, the entire roster has seen a turnaround and has been in constant flux since he took over.

In his latest move, this time to appease fans, the team announced its plans to retire 2 jerseys. However, the move had the opposite of the intended effect, as fans immediately voiced their displeasure over the decision.

The constant flux in Phoenix for Devin Booker

Since arriving on the team in 2016, Devin Booker has seen a myriad of changes. For the first four years, the team was constantly a laughingstock in the entire association. But, that image saw a shift with the addition of Chris Paul in 2021. Along with the arrival of Head Coach Monty Williams, the move transformed the franchise. That very year, they made it to the NBA Finals, falling just short of the ultimate prize.  However, after a lackluster effort in 2022, the team took some drastic decisions. Chief among them was trading away depth to acquire Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.

Further, Ishbia also orchestrated a change in the coaching ranks, firing fortune-changer Williams. Now, with a fresh identity, the team hopes to dominate the upcoming season. In a touching gesture, the Suns announced a ceremony to retire the jerseys of former Phoenix players, Amar’e Stoudemire and Shawn Marion.

Mainstays during the 7-second offensive boom of the 2000s, both Marion and Amar’e made Phoenix must-watch television. With 2-time MVP Steve Nash at the forefront, the team became a regular highlight reel. Whether it was Amar’e’s dunks or Marion’s quirky jump shot, the Suns were among the upper echelons of the league.

However, fans clearly had a different view on the matter.

Fans rip apart the Phoenix Suns’ decision

While a jersey retirement is an iconic moment for any athlete, fans seemed hell-bent on ruining the announcement. A symbol of respect and appreciation for their service instead turned into a scrutiny party. The primary source of contention from the fans was the lack of championship success from the duo.

“They’re retiring too many jerseys. Steve Nash, sure, maybe Stoudemire, but Marion? Cmon,” fans felt the two were underserving of the honor.

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Comments like “They didn’t win sh*t” and “Sun’s just trying to figure out how to fill those rafters” were a common sentiment. One fan went into a long rant about their place on the list, even while some tried to justify their position.

“I was a huge fan of this team, but they didn’t even make it to the Finals. I could understand them get a section of the the arena name after them or a bust. Retired jerseys should be for Champs or at least runner ups.” 

A Los Angeles Lakers fan page, the franchise with the richest history in the league to boot, took shots at the two players with a subtle, “For doing what”. 

While Ishbia and the $2.7 billion Suns try to rework their structure and identity, their latest move might have backfired. We’ll have to wait and see if the same fate awaits their offseason moves.

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