'07 Phoenix Suns Preview
Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire and Shawn Marion Hope For New Results
Sep 8, 2007
The Phoenix Suns certainly have the talent to go all the way and Steve Nash is the perfect pilot for that offense, but they haven't been able to find an answer for the elite Western Conference teams in the playoffs, especially in the half court game. Phoenix didn't find an answer in the middle after losing Kurt Thomas and it looks like they're headed down the same path of playoff disappointment in 2008. Mike D'Antoni may not be the best coach for that squad either. With top-notch individual defenders, including Shawn Marion, Raja Bell, Boris Diaw and Leandro Barbosa, there's no reason why they aren't a better defensive team in the half court game.
Still, don't discount the addition of Grant Hill. He may not be the player he once was and despite nearly playing a complete season last year injuries are still a concern for him. Yet, he can still play and be a factor. Moreover, the Suns lacked a second player besides Nash who could create offense for himself and others. Joe Johnson once filled that role and Boris Diaw is capable of being that second guy, but Johnson's gone and Diaw was out of shape for most of last season.
Look for Amare to have an even better season. He should have gotten all the rust out of his system from missing an entire year a couple seasons ago. Also, his jump shot is looking great in the FIBA World preliminary games in Las Vegas.
Statistics Projections/Depth Chart
- Center: Amare Stoudemire 24.4 ppg, 9.4 rbpg (back up: Sean Marks)
- Power Forward: Shawn Marion 17.1 ppg, 10.2 rbpg, 2.0 spg (back up: Grant Hill)
- Small Forward: Boris Diaw 10.3 ppg, 5.1 rbpg, 4.4 apg (back up: Alando Tucker)
- Point Guard: Steve Nash 18.2 ppg, 11.0 apg (back up: Marcus Banks)
- Shooting Guard: Raja Bell 13.4 ppg (back up: Leandro Barbosa)
Key Losses
Kurt Thomas is the team's biggest loss, though he only averaged 4.6 ppg and 5.7 rbpg. Still, he was the team's main defensive stopper down low and they haven't replaced him of yet. They tried to land center P.J. Brown, but with no luck.
Key Additions
Grant Hill is the team's biggest signing. They also drafted Alando Tucker and D.J. Strawberry, who both played well in Summer League.
Team Rumors
There hasn't been any significant rumors involving the Suns of late, but logic would suggest they're still trying to find a defensive center to back up Stoudemire.
Prediction
Expect 60 wins from the Suns this season, but also expect some minor injuries along the way. If Nash gets hurt, expect them to lose most of those games. They still haven't found a way to win without him despite the talent on the roster, which is a big knock against coach D'Antoni. The Suns will face off against the LA Lakers in the first round of the 2008 playoffs and will win in six games. However, they'll come face to face with their nemesis, the San Antonio Spurs, in the second round. In a rematch of the 2007 Western Conference semifinals, the Spurs will win in six games. History repeats itself.
Fantasy Spin
Because of the Suns offensive-oriented system, Suns players are enticing. Steve Nash had an amazing season last year. He provides solid points, great field goal and free throw percentages and though he comes with a high turnover rate, that's to be expected of the league's top assist man. Also, Nash provides a nice number of threes.
Expect Amare Stoudemire to have an even better season than last year. He's 100% healthy and his jump shot is looking great in summer international play.
Shawn Marion is always a safe pick in fantasy basketball. If turnovers are factored into your league, Marion is a top one or two pick.
Leandro Barbosa and Grant Hill might be great steals in later rounds. Keep them on your radar.
NBA Eastern Conference Team Previews: Atlanta Hawks; Boston Celtics; Cleveland Cavaliers; Chicago Bulls; Charlotte Bobcats; Detroit Pistons; Indiana Pacers; Miami Heat; Milwaukee Bucks; New Jersey Nets; New York Knicks; Orlando Magic; Philadelphia 76ers; Toronto Raptors; Washington Wizards
NBA Western Conference Team Previews: Dallas Mavericks; Denver Nuggets; Golden State Warriors; Houston Rockets; Los Angeles Clippers; Los Angeles Lakers; Memphis Grizzlies; Minnesota Timberwolves; New Orleans Hornets; Phoenix Suns; Portland Trail Blazers; Sacramento Kings; San Antonio Spurs; Seattle Supersonics; Utah Jazz
