Suns GM James Jones Declares Mission to Maximize Kevin Durant

Despite a disappointing end to the season, Phoenix Suns general manager James Jones maintains that the franchise is committed to finding a way to maximize the potential of Kevin Durant, whom he believes has yet to reach his full potential with the team.

Phoenix Suns general manager James Jones has reiterated the franchise's commitment to maximizing the potential of Kevin Durant, acknowledging that the team has yet to find a way to fully utilize the superstar's abilities.

Durant, a two-time NBA champion and league MVP, joined the Suns in a blockbuster trade from the Brooklyn Nets in February 2023. Despite appearing in just eight games for Phoenix during the 2022-23 season due to injury, Durant's arrival was seen as a major coup for the franchise.

However, the Suns' season came to an abrupt end in the first round of the playoffs, as they were swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite Durant's strong performance throughout the regular season, averaging 27.1 points per game, the Suns struggled to find consistency and failed to reach their potential.

Jones acknowledged the disappointment of the early playoff exit but emphasized that the franchise remains committed to building around Durant.

"That's a constant focus for us to continue to figure out how to maximize Kevin Durant," Jones told reporters. "No one has done it yet. I believe we will be the first team to do it because if we can maximize him, we can maximize our entire roster."

Jones believes that the Suns have yet to fully integrate Durant into the team's system and find the right balance between his individual brilliance and the team's collective success.

"We're a better team, but that's not an issue," Jones said. "I think Kevin had a phenomenal season this year offensively."

Durant has a long history of success, having won two championships with the Golden State Warriors and the 2014 MVP trophy. He is also a four-time league scoring champion and two-time NBA Finals MVP.

Despite his impressive individual achievements, Jones believes that Durant has not yet reached his full potential with the Suns.

"I think he had some of the best stretches of his career this year," Jones said. "So, it wasn't an offensive thing. It wasn't a utilization or usage thing. It was just the totality of figuring out when and where and how to do it together. We just could not get on the same page. We ran out of time."

Jones acknowledged that time was not on the Suns' side as they tried to find the right formula with Durant.

"We just need to figure out how to maximize him," Jones said. "I believe we're going to do it. I think it's going to be incredible when we do."

The Suns have never won an NBA title and have not advanced past the second round of the playoffs since Durant's arrival. Jones is confident that the team can turn things around and achieve success with Durant at the helm.

"I'm excited about the future," Jones said. "I think we have a really good team. I think we have a great coaching staff. I think we have a great front office. We're going to get it done."