Cousins says Jimmy fits better in the Suns’ system than Beal.
Since Bradley Beal joined the Phoenix Suns, there’s been a growing concern that having two similar-styled players – he and Devin Booker, who need to score 25+ points in every game to make their presence felt, isn’t working out.
After the Suns’ most recent loss against the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night, DeMarcus Cousins boldly suggested that the franchise should prioritize swapping Jimmy Butler for Beal, whose two-way guard abilities are perfect for filling the voids of Pheonix’s system.
Cousins says Beal and Booker don’t fit well
Not only has the Suns drafted D-Book, but they’ve also largely built their championship-caliber roster around him. Given that the four-time All-Star is a ball-dominant player whose style is primarily reliant on making numerous field goal attempts, he hasn’t received such utilization since Beal came in 2023.
Similarly, since joining the Arizona based team, “Big Panda” has also witnessed a considerable drop in his field goal attempts per game. This statistical trend shows how their similar playing style has created an unexpected challenge in the Suns’ offensive approach.
This failed dynamic was particularly evident in the game against the Indiana Pacers, where D-Book shot an impressive 50 percent from the field to register 17 points in 25 minutes. While these numbers were solid, they also indicate how he could have added more significantly to the scoring load had he shot more, but Beal’s presence naturally limited his chances. Notably, with the three-time All-Star finishing the game with a plus/minus rating of -17, it affected the Suns’ chances of winning the game.
Reflecting on the game during his appearance on the ‘Run It Back’ show, DeMarcus Cousins proclaimed how Butler can solve several issues for the Suns that only seem deeper whenever Beal is on the court alongside Booker and Durant.
“Hell yeah, it should’ve been yesterday. No disrespect to Beal, it’s just not a good fit with what you’ve going on with D-Book and Kevin Durant. They got better with the point guard in the mix, but it still doesn’t make sense,” Cousins said. “You add a guy like Jimmy Butler that can play both sides of the ball. Give you 15 to 20 points and guard the best players.”
The Suns literally could’ve used Jimmy Butler, yesterday đ
They fell at home to the Pacers in a game where the whole Big 3 played!@boogiecousins says this trade is a no brainer!
Is it time to make a move in Phoenix?@MichelleDBeadle | @ChandlerParsons | @TeamLou23 pic.twitter.com/u4A6AWyg8C
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) December 20, 2024
Suns need Butler more than Beal
Though “Big Panda” has made considerable efforts to make his presence felt on the defensive end, averaging 1.1 steals per game, “DMC’s” suggested of having Butler on the team over Beal makes more sense.
Not only is Jimmy a taller and better perimeter defender who thrives in shutting down the opposition’s best scorer, but also, unlike Beal, he doesn’t need to score over 25 points in every game to make an effective impact.
“Jimmy Buckets” could play off-the-ball and contribute better by becoming the defensive linchpin who scores 15 points in every game, allowing Booker and Durant more freedom on the offensive end.
Most importantly, Jimmy’s proven ability to take over in clutch situations would provide the Suns with another reliable option during critical fourth-quarter moments. This could be the key to addressing their persistent late-game struggles, giving them a versatile closer who has already proven himself in the past.