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| HOLY CRAP! The ball is coming at me guys! What do I do?!?! |
2009-10 Record: 54-28
Additions: Lance Banks (GM), Hedo Turkoglu (Trade), Josh Childress (FA), Hakim Warrick (FA), Gani Lawal (Draft), Matt Janning (FA)
Subtractions: Steve Kerr (GM), Amar'e Stoudemire, Leandro Barbosa, Lou Amundson, Jarron Collins, Taylor Griffin
Steve Nash is a badass. Nobody can deny this. One year after the Suns didn't even make the playoffs, a 35 year old Nash helped carry this team nobody predicted to succeed all the way to the Western Conference Finals. It helped that the team returned to the up-tempo pace it was built for, and that the Suns bench emerged, but Nash was the catalyst. His statistics from last year are comparable to both of the seasons in which he won MVP. If there is anyone in the NBA I wouldn't bet against, its Steve Nash.
But its going to be tough to think Phoenix can replicate the success of last year. Losing Amar'e was a huge blow. Amar'e could carry this team offensively by himself, and demanded a double team on a nightly basis. Without Amar'e, opposing defenses have much less to fear. The biggest offensive threat will end up being Jason Richardson in all likelihood, and I don't like thinking of him as the biggest offensive threat on a team.
It also doesn't help that I'm not a big fan of the guys the Suns brought in to replace Amar'e. Trading for Hedo Turkoglu makes no sense to me, especially after how crappy he was in Toronto. Sure, he's a good shooter and passer, but he's getting older, his contract is terrible, and his overall usefulness has been decreasing for a few years now. Orlando knew what they were doing by not opting to re-sign him last year. Hakim Warrick is younger, but probably not even as good as Turkoglu. He has a nice touch on his mid-range jumper, but is completely lacking a post game or defensive chops. He's also a terrible rebounder, something the whole Phoenix roster likely will have issues with this year without Amar'e and Amundson, the only two decent rebounders on the team last year. Gani Lawal however, could end up being a very good pick from the 2nd round. He's a fantastic rebounder, although he has trouble finishing. He might get minutes just from a rebounding perspective. Robin Lopez will likely start at Center for the Suns this year, and while he has some good defensive chops and a burgeoning offensive game, he's been a woeful rebounder to date.
Signing Josh Childress was a move I liked though. He can handle the ball and create offense if given a chance, something Phoenix will need. He's not a particularly great shooter, although he's improved since he was last in the NBA, but he's a good defender. Think of him as a Corey Maggette type, but less selfish. He'll be a nice boost to Phoenix's already good bench.
Speaking of their bench, that's possibly the biggest plus for Phoenix right now, especially with the emergence of Goran Dragic, Channing Frye, and Jared Dudley last year. Dragic should continue to improve and prolong Nash's career by coming in and letting him rest. Frye can spread the floor and block some shots, and Dudley is becoming a pesky defender with a great three point shot.
The three will definitely be Phoenix's greatest and most feared weapon this year. They led the league at 41.2% last year, with 6 rotation guys at 39% or more (4 of those above 42%). The addition of Turkoglu adds another threat there, and Phoenix is so good at moving the ball, especially with Nash on the floor, that open shots shouldn't be a problem.
So even though this is a different Phoenix team, in a way it isn't. They'll still score way more than everyone, and likely will reach the playoffs again. I have trouble seeing them having any success in the playoffs, but ... Steve Nash, man.
Projected Win Range: 45-50
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