The Phoenix Suns are the most unlucky team in the NBA. The Suns ended the season 39-43 which was 10th in the stacked Western Conference. They started the season with the three headed monster at guard with Goran Dragic-Eric Bledsoe-Isaiah Thomas, but they dealt Dragic and Thomas to the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics respectively. In return, they received first round draft picks and dealt for Brandon Knight, a former Kentucky Wildcat from the Milwaukee Bucks. At the All-Star break, the Suns were the eight seed in the West and lost six games off of buzzer beaters including a three pointer off the backboard by DeMarcus Cousins who rarely takes threes. Then the Morris twins got charged with felony assault and the season crashed and burned after that. Ending the season, the Suns lost ten of the last eleven games ensuring an absence from the playoffs. Phoenix learned the hard way that multiple good role players don’t win games. They need to find a number one scorer and a rebounder. Lets see who could be moving to the desert this offseason.
Draft
PF Bobby Portis, Arkansas
Bobby Portis was named SEC Player of the Year at Arkansas and led them to #16 in the country before they lost a tough game to #1 Kentucky. Portis is a true power forward standing 6’10”. He has an attitude on the court almost like a smaller Zach Randolph. Portis has a past history of domestic abuse which is the reason he plays angry, but has no locker room issues. Portis will instantly add toughness to any team he is drafted too. Tougher teams last in seven game playoff series.
SF Kelly Oubre, Kansas
The Phoenix Suns are stacked at the small forward and shooting guard position looking for stability. Kelly Oubre is a 18 year old winger who needed a half of a season to get accumulated with Big 12 basketball. His has NBA potential on defense and three point shooting. He shot 36% from behind the arc last season but has a terrible shot selection. He has a wingspan of 7’1″ who is always disrupting passing lanes. He averaged 2.2 steals per game which every NBA team must find enticing. Consistency will determine Oubre’s NBA future.
PF Myles Turner, Texas
Myles Turner is the biggest boom or bust prospect. In college, Turner led the Big 12 in blocked shots. He shot 40% from behind the arc and 70% down at the rim. His free throw percentage sits at 89% which was second in the Big 12. The NBA is turning into a league where teams need a stretch four and Turner’s shot is vastly improving. There is one problem and it is that he is only 18. He needs that time to develop and not be under the pressure to start every day. If coached well, Turner is the next Chris Bosh.
Free Agency
PG/SG Brandon Knight, Phoenix Suns
Brandon Knight is currently the two-guard for the Phoenix Suns who is entering restricted free agency this offseason. Knight can play both the one and two and found a scoring touch this season he hadn’t had in years past. He averaged 17 points per game last season which is the highest of his young career. This would be a terrible loss if the for the Suns. Knight has the potential to be a dominant second scoring option. Phoenix can’t let Knight leave.
C Roy Hibbert, Indiana Pacers
Roy Hibbert has a player option on his current contract with the Indiana Pacers. Hibbert stands 7’2” and 290 pounds and is a true rim protector. The Suns were one of the worst teams in the NBA is opponent rebounds per game while Hibbert’s Pacers sat in the top ten. Hibbert has consistent numbers every season ranging from 10-12 points and 7-9 rebounds per game. His free throw percentage last season was near 83% which is the highest of his career. Phoenix should have the phone ready if Hibbert opts out of his Pacers contract.
PF Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers
The Kevin Love leaving Cleveland talk will never go away. Phoenix hasn’t been in many rumors involving Kevin Love but in my opinion it is a match made in heaven. Love averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds per game with the Cleveland Cavaliers and he was their third scoring option. Love would be the first scoring option in Phoenix and has experience playing in the Western Conference. With the Morris twins getting in trouble again this offseason, the Suns need to address the power forward position. The Suns are my sleeper in the Kevin Love sweepstakes.
The Phoenix Suns need to dig themselves out of the hole they are currently in. The Western Conference is only getting better so they need to be aggressive on the free agent market. Eric Bledsoe is the current star on the roster who needs to be a recruiter when bringing people to Phoenix. Last season, work ethic led the Suns to the playoffs. They need to make sure the acquire players who have a strong work ethic to mold well with their system. This is a make or break season for Jeff Hornacek.
