Sir Charles in Charge
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Phoenix Suns: The Blueprint For Rebuilding The Young Suns

By Ryan Magdziarz

Nov 2, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Brandon Knight (11) high fives guard Eric Bledsoe (2) during the second half of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Trail Blazers 118-115. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Brandon Knight (11) high fives guard Eric Bledsoe (2) during the second half of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Trail Blazers 118-115. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Former NBA coach Mark Jackson arrives on the red carpet for the 2016 ESPY Awards at Microsoft Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Former NBA coach Mark Jackson arrives on the red carpet for the 2016 ESPY Awards at Microsoft Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Finding A New Leader

First thing is first: the Suns need a proven leader who can take control of this team and not settle for mediocrity. Phoenix hasn’t made the playoffs in six years and no one seems to be troubled by that. I know a guy that has been out of the coaching game for a few years and has a major itch to get back.

I know a guy by the name of Mark Jackson. Momma there goes that man.

More from Sir Charles In Charge

Next, we have to take a look at what we’re paying to certain guys based on their production. Our highest paid player this season is Eric Bledsoe. We owe him $14 million dollars this year after he signed a five year, $70 million contract with us in 2014.

He averaged a career high 17 points per game during the first year of his contract, but ever since then he hasn’t been able to stay healthy. He played in 31 games all of last year, but so far this season he is looking great averaging 17-5-6. We’re going to keep Bledsoe around and hope that he is able to stay injury free.

Our next two highest paid players are Brandon Knight at $12.6 million, and Tyson Chandler at $12.4 million. Knight has shown major potential in his career despite having an uncanny ability to get embarrassed in internet vines around the league.

In 52 games last year, he averaged almost 20 points per game along with four rebounds and five assists. That’s great production for a 24-year-old kid who’s still developing his game. He is going to be a valuable combo guard for us off the bench for years to come.

Chandler, however, is getting up there in age. He just turned 34 years old, but its an even older 34 having come straight from high school (his 16th year in the league). His rim protection and rebounding (12.6 rpg) is valuable, but would probably be a better fit off the bench for a serious contender this season.

I think we should be able to trade and get an early second round draft pick for him, at least, and free up $12 million in cap space.

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