As we swiftly approach the annual prediction frenzy, the NBA community—along with the die-hard fans here at Bright Side of the Sun—is buzzing about what’s coming. 15× NBA All-Star Kevin Garnett recently threw his hat into the ring, suggesting that the Phoenix Suns’ rollercoaster season last year might just be a fluke. But not everyone is buying into KG’s optimism. Enter 7× NBA champ Robert Horry, who has a different take on the Suns’ prospects.

On the Big Shot Bob Podcast, hosts Rob Jenners, Ron Harper, and Robert Horry dug into Kevin Garnett’s bold statement that the Suns could hit 50 wins this season. Jenner questioned whether Garnett really believed the Suns could win 50 games, and Horry didn’t mince words, shutting down the prediction with a simple “no.” When Harper pointed out that the Suns had already notched 47 wins last year, suggesting they could win three more, Horry was quick to retort, saying, “Any team in NBA can win 50 games.”

Horry didn’t stop there as he said in the podcast, “I’m not saying Phoenix is a scrub; I’m just saying everybody else is good.” According to Horry, except for the LA Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers, and Utah Jazz, every team has gotten stronger over the summer. This makes it, in his view, “hard for the Suns to get 50 wins.”

But the Suns’ summer was quite busy. With the new season just around the corner, they’ve made some notable changes. They parted ways with head coach Frank Vogel after just one season and brought in 2021 championship-winning coach Mike Budenholzer to lead the team. Furthermore, their roster is largely intact, with Tyus Jones joining to bolster their point guard position.

Paul Pierce, who was present along with KG when he made the prediction, also took issue with his former teammate’s take.

Why did Paul Pierce disagree with Garnett?

On an episode of the KG Certified podcast, Kevin Garnett raved about the potential MVP caliber of Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant, suggesting that the Suns could be on a championship trajectory. Garnett argued, “Devin Booker can be an MVP, you know what I’m saying? Beal, he can be an MVP. These guys, they got it bro. And you got KD.” But Garnett’s enthusiasm did not convince Paul Pierce.

Pierce pointed out that the Suns’ key players are aging. With Durant turning 36 next month and Beal already 31, while Booker is 27, Pierce believes these factors might hinder their chances. He remarked, “I think these young teams are a problem,” indicating a preference for fresher, more dynamic rosters.

However, Booker, Durant, and Beal only played 41 games together last season, with the Suns going 26-15 in those matchups, while Beal’s injury crisis was a major setback. And with the Oklahoma City Thunder—boasting the second-youngest roster in the NBA—posting the best record in the West, Pierce’s skepticism grows.

Pierce raised concerns about Kevin Garnett’s prediction despite Durant and Booker’s summer success with Team USA. He made his stance clear, saying, “Right now, it’s all about Minnesota, Dallas, Denver,” dismissing Phoenix Suns from his current spotlight.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.