The Wild, Wild West: A Team-By-Team Preview Of The NBA Western Conference
By Matt Packer
Phoenix Suns (Pacific Division)
Last year’s result: Regular Season (48-34). Missed Plaoyffs
Significant players added: Isaiah Thomas, Tyler Ennis (Rookie), T.J. Warren (Rookie),
Significant players lost: Channing Frye
Projected starting lineup: Goran Dragic, Eric Bledsoe, Gerald Green, Markieff Morris, Miles Plumlee
Analysis: The Suns narrowly missed the playoffs in the ultra-competitive Western Conference last year. They have made a great signing in snagging Isaiah Thomas from the Sacramento Kings on a 4-year, $27 million contract. Thomas was one of six players in the league to average at least 20 points and 6 assists last year. However between Dragic, Bledsoe, Thomas, Archie Goodwin and drafting Tyler Ennis, it appears the Suns are dead set on filling out their rosters solely with point guards. Their head coach, Jeff Hornacek, envisions that they will continue to push the tempo with two point guard lineups which somewhat justifies their point-guard laden roster.
T.J Warren has an NBA ready body and skill-set and will most likely fill in for Gerald Green on the wing or split some time on the block with the Morris twins. Losing the versatile Channing Frye to the Magic hurts, but the Suns likely couldn’t rationalize paying $32 million over four years to a player on the wrong side of 30. The Suns will be one of the most exciting teams next year and will be must-see TV on League Pass. How many wins that translates to is hard to say, but they will be in the thick of the playoff race come time.
Grade: B