Ryan McDonough expected growing pains. Maybe not to this extent, but the Suns general manager knew this season might be a struggle. That tends to happen with a young group.
The next step: Figuring out what to do before Thursday's trade deadline. At 18-39, the Suns are out of playoff contention. They have the assets to try to land a star. They also can continue building through the draft, developing guard Devin Booker, forward Marquese Chriss and forward Dragan Bender along the way.
What's the best course? McDonough discussed that and a lot more during a recent 30-minute conversation.