The Phoenix Suns, arguably, were the most surprising team during the 2013-2014 NBA season . If I told you at the beginning of last season that a starting line-up (due to an Eric Bledsoe injury) of Goran Dragic, Gerald Green, P.J Tucker, Channing Frye and Miles Plumlee would result in a 48 win season, most of you would have laughed. Their first year head coach, Jeff Hornacek, was able to get the most out of his group and if the Suns were playing in the Eastern Conference, that solid season would have provided them with home court advantage in the first round of the NBA playoffs, but in the tough west they fell just short of the playoffs.
Although their season ended earlier then their fans would have hoped, there was light at the end of the tunnel. Heading into the June draft, Suns GM Ryan McDonough was stocked with three first round picks (14, 18, 27) and according to basketball-reference.com, had only approximately $28 million in guaranteed salaries (once you factor in salaries for the draft picks); leaving him with around $35 million to play with this offseason.
Phoenix Suns Offseason
With this type of offseason ammo, McDonough had the opportunity to really do whatever he wanted this offseason. He had the assets, the money and the draft picks to make a major splash. Whether it be to trade up in the NBA draft, sign a key free agent or make a big trade; one thing for sure was that Phoenix was well positioned to not only improve their roster, but possibly turn into a contender out West.
At the end of the 2013-2014 season here was the Suns depth chart.
PG: Goran Dragic, Ish Smith, Archie Goodwin
SG: Eric Bledsoe, Dionte Christmas, Leandro Barbosa
SF: P.J Tucker, Gerald Green
PF: Channing Frye, Markief Morris, Marcus Morris, Shavlik Randolph
C: Miles Plumlee, Alex Len, Emeka Okafor
Setting the stage for the Phoenix Suns offseason and heading into the NBA draft, McDonough knew that 3/5 of his starting lineup would be heading to free agency. Frye (unrestricted) and Tucker (restricted), were now looking to cash in after having solid seasons. Eric Bledsoe, arguably the Suns most valuable player, was a restricted free agent, and likely to demand a max contract.
First order of business was the NBA draft. Armed with three first round picks, some thought the Suns could possibly package the picks to move up in the draft and get a top 10 selection. The scenario of trading up did not come to fruition, and the Suns draft played out as follows:
#14 – TJ Warren (SF)
#18 – Tyler Ennis (PG)
#27 – Bogdan Bogdanovic (SG)
#50 – Alec Brown (C)
SI.com draft grade for the Suns was an A-, and I tend to agree with their assessment, as Phoenix was able to grab not only solid talent, but they also were able to draft some depth depending on how free agency was going to play out.
The TJ Warren pick appeared to be insurance for the possible departure of PJ Tucker, while also providing a scorer at the wing position. The Tyler Ennis selection made sense, as he will be the third guard, behind Dragic and Bledsoe. The Bogdan Bogdanovic selection did not impact the roster, as the Suns will stash him overseas for the next couple seasons until he is ready to contribute. Their second round pick, Alec Brown, is a big body and if he makes the roster, will likely take the injured Emeka Okafor’s spot on the depth chart. (SIA Profile)
After a busy draft night, the Suns were now ready to tackle the offseason. On July 1st, the rumours began to fly that Phoenix was going to make a play for both Carmelo Anthony & LeBron James. With a young roster and loads of cap space, the Suns felt that there situation could possibly appeal to one of the 2014 prized free agents.
As of today, we know that didn’t happen; but that does not mean Phoenix has been quiet this offseason.
Letting Channing Frye Walk
If someone is going to pay Channing Frye $32 million over 4 years, that’s their decision. McDonough made a smart move by letting Frye sign with Orlando. There was no need to spend that kind of money on Frye, especially when you have the Morris brothers on the roster for next season. Markief Morris and Marcus Morris had solid seasons, and with both their skill sets similar to Frye, it will make it easy for the Suns to move on next season.
Signing P.J Tucker (3 years/$16.5 million)
At first glance, I was a little shocked that the former second round pick was now getting $16.5 million from the Suns. However, after evaluating the move, it makes sense. Tucker averaged 9.4 points, 6.5 rebounds and shot .387% from three point land last season, and on most nights, was tasked with guarding the opposing team’s top player. When you look at the contract Jodie Meeks signed, chances are some team was going to sign Tucker to a big offer sheet. Kudos to McDonough for not letting that happen and locking up his starting small forward for just over $5 million per season.
Sign & Trade for Isaiah Thomas (4 years/$27 million
This one is a bit of a head scratcher for me. The Suns are likely to match any offer sheet Bledsoe signs, and with Dragic and Ennis on the roster, they could have used this money somewhere else. Maybe there is trade coming down the pipeline that makes this work, but I don’t see where Thomas minutes will come from, unless it’s at the expense of Ennis. Thomas can score the basketball and in the Suns system, chances are he will have every opportunity too.
But you have to remember that Thomas was a good scorer on a bad Sacramento team and unless he is playing 30 minutes a night, I don’t know if he is worth the $7 million a year Phoenix will be paying him.
So if you’re a Phoenix Suns fan, what’s next?
If we take into account the draft and Suns offseason moves as of today, here is a look at the Suns depth chart.
PG: Goran Dragic, Isaiah Thomas, Tyler Ennis, Ish Smith
SG: Eric Bledsoe, Dionte Christmas, Archie Goodwin
SF: P.J Tucker, Gerald Green, TJ Warren
PF: Markief Morris, Marcus Morris, Shavlik Randolph
C: Miles Plumlee, Alex Len, Alec Brown
In all likely hood, Phoenix will match any offer made to Bledsoe and my guess is that Randolph or Christmas are waived to cut the roster down to 15. But if you look at the above roster, one has to believe that Phoenix is not done making moves. The Western Conference is tough, and if they go into next season with the roster above, I really don’t see them as anything more than a 8th seed.
With that being said, there are two moves I would consider if I’m the Suns GM.
Sign and Trade for Greg Monroe
With Pau Gasol signing with Chicago, there is a lack of big men left on the free agent market. Although Plumlee and the Morris brothers are nice pieces, the Suns need a star up front. Would a package of Alex Len, TJ Warren and a couple first round picks be enough for Detroit? Who knows, but if Phoenix had a lineup of Dragic, Bledsoe, Tucker, Morris and Monroe next season; chances are they make the playoffs, with the possibility of getting into the second round.
Sign and Trade for Lance Stephenson
With the Pacers in need of a point guard, and with Phoenix having a glut of point guards, this might make sense. Although I would be hesitant to do this if I was the Suns, a straight up Dragic for Stephenson deal could work for both teams. Dragic’s value has never been higher and a backcourt of Bledsoe and Stephenson would be scary in Phoenix. The trade would free up more playing time for Isaiah Thomas and Tyler Ennis, while creating one of the best perimeter defense units in Bledsoe, Tucker and Stephenson.
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