Nobody expected the Suns’ lottery curse to end. When it was supposed to Ben Simmons, it ended with Dragan Bender. That all changed last May when Phoenix finally snatched their first No. 1 pick in franchise history. Former general manager Ryan McDonough had to take a moment to himself once the Kings’ logo was pulled out of the envelope instead of the Suns. Finally, the rebuild was supposed to be smooth sailing from there.
Unfortunately, that’s not how it’s gone for Phoenix since this jubilant moment nine months ago.
Instead of progress, the Suns have regressed in the win-loss column to the tune of 11 wins at the All-Star break.