GLENDALE – In a dramatic finish, the San Antonio Spurs cliched a spot into the NBA Finals to face off against the New York Knicks. Despite Phoenix Suns fans not having obvious rooting interest in the 1999 Finals rematch, some former players of the franchise could sway their interest one way or another. Between the two teams, four former Suns players will suit to secure their first NBA championship, but who will realize that dream?
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Nov 20, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives to the basket against New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) during the second quarter at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Who to look out for in NBA Finals:
The San Antonio Spurs have two former Suns players, but neither have seen consistent minutes this postseason. The center duo of Bismack Biyombo and Mason Plumlee rocked the black and orange for a combine 171 games. Neither of them were on the same team while in Phoenix, as Plumlee arrived two seasons after Biyombo’s departure.
Biyombo was a part of the 2021-2022 squad that set a franchise record in wins. He finished his time in the Valley with 4.9 points and 4.4 rebounds in 14.2 minutes. Plumlee was a part of the Mike Budenholzer era of the team, playing 74 games and earning averages of 4.5 points and 6.1 rebounds. The duo’s most famous moment this postseason was Victor Wembanyama telling them to commit hard fouls against the Oklahoma City Thunder late in Game 5.
Apr 16, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Bismack Biyombo (18) and Phoenix Suns forward Josh Okogie (2) box out LA Clippers center Mason Plumlee (44) during the first half of game one of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
The Knicks two former Suns players are much more prominent pieces of the team’s history. Guard Landry Shamet played 109 games in Phoenix, the most of any team of his career. The 29-year-old averaged 8.4 points during his tenure and helped the team achieve a franchise-record 64 wins.
Jan 28, 2023; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges (25) and guard Chris Paul (3) react after Bridges scored in the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
The most prominent player heading into this series for Suns fans is Mikal Bridges. The iron man didn’t miss a single game when in Phoenix and has continued that trend in New York. In five years with the team, he played in 365 games and helped his squad reached the first Finals appearance since 1993. He averaged 12.2 points and 4.0 rebounds, while being the team’s best defender by a mile.
Bridges is the only former Sun a part of that 2021 Finals team and will have chance at redemption, surely a factor that will have fans on his side during championship series.
Would LeBron James ever entertain signing with the Phoenix Suns?
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
