The Phoenix Suns’ tumultuous season saw its share of disappointments, with Eubanks encapsulating the team’s struggles with his underwhelming performance.
Join us as we delve into our Phoenix Suns Season Review, focusing on individual player assessments from the 2023-24 season. Let’s dissect the highs and lows of each contributor’s journey and explore avenues for improvement in the upcoming season.
Career Trajectory
Eubanks commenced his NBA journey with the San Antonio Spurs, initially serving as a backup center. However, a transition to the Portland Trail Blazers thrust him into the starting lineup, capitalizing on Jusuf Nurkic’s injury woes to deliver a standout season with impressive averages of 7.7 points and 5.4 rebounds.
His stint in Portland showcased promise, particularly during the 2021-22 season, where he seized the starting role post-trade, showcasing significant growth with notable stats of 14.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. Despite his potential as a starter, his true value often shone brightest in the backup center position.
Last offseason, Eubanks entered free agency and became one of the Suns’ early acquisitions, securing a lucrative two-year, $5 million deal. The signing initially appeared as a steal, given Eubanks’ past performances. However, his tenure in Phoenix failed to mirror his prior success, raising questions about his future potential.
Regular Season Review
The season commenced with optimism, as Eubanks exhibited flashes of athleticism and aggression, asserting his dominance in the paint. His relentless energy provided a stark contrast to Nurkic’s style, offering a dynamic boost off the bench. Many speculated whether he could eventually supplant Nurkic as the starting center, anticipating a surge in highlight-reel plays.
However, reality painted a different picture. Eubanks struggled to replicate his Portland form, faltering in his role as a reliable backup center for the Suns. His impact waned as the season progressed, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning his fit within the team’s dynamic.
In summary, Eubanks’ journey with the Suns mirrored the team’s turbulent season, characterized by unfulfilled expectations and missed opportunities. As the offseason beckons, the focus shifts to introspection and improvement, with Eubanks tasked with rediscovering his form and reigniting his potential on the court.
🔥🏀 Drew Eubanks with the Poster Dunk over Jabari Smith Jr.! 😱🔥 #nba #nbaplayoffs #nbabasketball #nbamemes #nbahighlights #nbaedits #dreweubanks #nba2k pic.twitter.com/qT9GWMbX96
— SlamJamZone (@SlamJamZone) March 1, 2024
Eubanks’ performance took an unexpected turn over the course of the season, deviating from the promising start he had. Despite initial hopes, he concluded the season with averages of 5.1 points and 4.3 rebounds, falling short of anticipated statistics.
Occasional glimpses of his earlier form surfaced during sporadic games, teasing a potential resurgence. However, such moments remained fleeting. A notable incident, such as the altercation with Chicago Bulls’ Andre Drummond, seemingly ignited a spark within Eubanks, resulting in a commendable performance and securing a victory for the Suns.
As the postseason unfolded, the formidable size of the Minnesota Timberwolves posed challenges for the Suns, necessitating Eubanks’ productivity. However, his playoff debut was marred by struggles, evidenced by his -21.3 net rating, ultimately leading to his absence from Game 4 as Frank Vogel opted not to field him.
Eubanks’ standout attribute lies in his poster dunks, which injects an electrifying energy into the game. Yet, his mental fortitude emerges as a significant weakness, manifesting in moments of panic and self-doubt on the court, detracting from his overall performance and enjoyment of the game.
Moving forward, Eubanks must cultivate self-trust and confidence, shedding inhibitions that hinder his effectiveness, particularly around the rim. Despite a challenging season, the likelihood of his return to Phoenix remains high, indicating a desire for redemption and an opportunity to thrive under potentially different coaching dynamics.
Reflecting on the season, Eubanks’ grade settles at a D, acknowledging the initial enthusiasm for his potential ascension within the Suns’ lineup. However, the reality fell short of expectations, emphasizing the unpredictability inherent in sports prognostication.
