ESPN.com · Apr 15, 2025
What comes next for the flailing Phoenix Suns -- and Kevin Durant
The speech, given in a bare and sterile concourse turned makeshift locker room at Walt Disney World, became both legend and rallying cry in the Phoenix Suns franchise.
It was June 2020. Standing in front of his team, Monty Williams was beaming after his young Suns team had gone 8-0 in the Orlando bubble to end its season.
"We are not the Suns of old!" Williams proclaimed. "It's hard to play the way you've played and not get the respect you deserve. But guess what, you've got it! We've shocked the world and this is special. You've gained the respect of the league!"