Arizona Sports Dreams: A Wish List for 2024 Focused on Health, Home, and History

As Arizona sports enthusiasts reflect on the highs and lows of 2023, they eagerly anticipate what the coming year might bring. While the future remains uncertain, a collective wish list has emerged, highlighting aspirations for triumphs and transformations in 2024. From coveted championships to resolving long-standing issues, here’s a comprehensive look at what fans hope to witness in the world of Arizona sports.

Arizona Sports Dreams: Health

Foremost on the wish list is the well-being of Arizona’s athletes, with a special focus on key stars like Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, Kyler Murray, Diana Taurasi, and Jaden Rashada. The fervent desire is for a year free of debilitating injuries that often leave teams pondering “What could have been?” Here’s to a healthy 2024, allowing teams to compete at their full strength and fulfill their potential.

Arizona Coyotes’ Permanent Home:

The prolonged arena saga for the Arizona Coyotes has worn on for too long. In 2024, the wish is for a definitive resolution, securing a permanent arena solution that ensures the team’s long-term presence in Arizona. This, it is hoped, will finally put to rest any doubts about hockey thriving in the desert.

ASU Football’s Awakening:

Arizona State University’s football program, often referred to as a “sleeping giant,” holds immense potential. The wish for 2024 is to see the program begin to realize this potential in its inaugural year in the Big 12 under coach Kenny Dillingham. Despite significant challenges and uncertainties, fans hope to witness ASU football making strides in the new era of college athletics, establishing itself as a formidable contender.

Arizona Diamondbacks’ Consistency:

Rather than wishing for a World Series victory, fans hope the Arizona Diamondbacks can validate their 2023 MLB run by consistently proving it was no fluke. A return to the postseason would be a welcomed affirmation, offering fans hope for sustained success and a streak of consecutive playoff appearances.

Arizona Cardinals’ Turnaround:

While stopping short of wishing for playoffs or a Super Bowl run in 2024, fans express a desire to see the Arizona Cardinals make significant strides under the leadership of Monti Ossenfort and Jonathan Gannon. The focus is on the team’s continued rebuilding efforts, with a lingering question about Kyler Murray’s role in the quarterback position and his potential contribution to the Cardinals’ resurgence.

Diana Taurasi’s Final WNBA Run:

As WNBA legend Diana Taurasi contemplates her 20th season in 2024, fans hope for one last postseason hurrah. While acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding her retirement, witnessing Taurasi add to her legacy in a final playoff run would be a fitting farewell for one of women’s basketball’s greatest players.

Arizona Men’s College Basketball in the Final Four:

With the 2024 NCAA Men’s Final Four hosted at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, fans dream of an Arizona team making a deep tournament run. Whether it’s Tommy Lloyd’s Wildcats or another local team, the wish is for an impressive performance that captures the state’s attention and makes the Final Four an unforgettable spectacle.

Phoenix Suns’ NBA Championship:

The ultimate desire for 2024 is to witness the Phoenix Suns clinch their elusive first NBA title. With a formidable Big 3 comprising Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal, fans hope that this year marks the end of the franchise’s long-standing quest for a championship. It’s time for Phoenix NBA fans to revel in the joy of an NBA Finals-winning parade, putting an end to years of heartbreak.