The Phoenix Suns were the heart-warming story of the NBA last year as they nearly made the playoffs after being a team that was projected to finish last in the Western Conference.
First year head coach Jeff Hornacek did a marvelous job of playing to the strengths of his team, using the Suns bevy of talented point guards and athleticism to run a fast-paced system. The unit returns almost entirely in tact with the additions of free agent Isaish Thomas and rookies T.J. Warren and Tyler Ennis, so the expectations are higher for the Suns this year.
However, in the loaded Western Conference, will this team with no superstars be able to compete and get into the playoffs?
Roster
Projected Starters
PG Goran Dragic
SG Eric Bledsoe
SF P.J. Tucker
PF Markieff Morris
C Miles Plumlee
Bench
G Isaiah Thomas
G Tyler Ennis
G Archie Goodwin
G Zoran Dragic
G/F Gerald Green
G/F T.J. Warren
F Marcus Morris
F Anthony Tolliver
C Alex Len
Storylines
The main storyline of Phoenix's season will be whether or not they can build off last season's success and make the playoffs, or if it was just a fluke. They'll have tough time navigating through the tough Western Conference, so we should be able to tell what this team is able to do after a couple of months.
Yet perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this Suns roster is their plethora of point guards. Goran Dragic, Bledsoe, Ennis, and Thomas are all really point guards, and Goodwin can play the position as well. All of those players - except for Goodwin - are expecting to see major minutes on the court. Considering that outstanding team chemistry was reason for the Suns success last year, not keeping everyone happy will mess that up.
How Will The Phoenix Suns Use All Their Point Guards?
Key Player
Miles Plumlee went from reserve who never played in Indiana to start for Phoenix in a year, as he flourished in Phoenix's up-tempo system. He used his elite athleticism and motor to block shots and score around the rim, which he'll continue to do.
The problem is, he still is not very skilled. He doesn't have a post game and isn't great defender, which opponents started to take advantage of as he started playing more minutes. If Hornacek can keep finding ways to use Plumlee effectively, Phoenix will be fine. If not, they might be looking to trade for another big man.
Outlook
Phoenix is stuck in a pack of Western Conference teams that are all fighting for the last few spots in the playoffs. Of those teams, the Suns have the least amount of talent. Phoenix won't be able to sneak up on anybody this year, and they (probably) won't be able to have the same level of success in close games as they had last year.
I think they'll finish 12th in the West with a win total in the high-30's, though it's not out of the realm of possibility for them to finish as high as 9th. Either way, they will not be making the playoffs this season.
Eastern Conference
12) Boston Celtics
13) Milwaukee Bucks
14) Orlando Magic
Western Conference
12) Phoenix Suns
13) Los Angeles Lakers
15) Utah Jazz
How do you think the Suns will do this season? Tweet your thoughts to @brauf33 and leave a response in the comments!
Back to the Phoenix Suns Newsfeed