Sir Charles in Charge
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NBA: A blueprint moving forward for the 6 worst teams in the league

By Evan Dyal

DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 10: Head coach Mike Budenholzer of the Atlanta Hawks looks on from the bench while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on November 10, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 111-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 10: Head coach Mike Budenholzer of the Atlanta Hawks looks on from the bench while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on November 10, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 111-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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PHOENIX, AZ – OCTOBER 20: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns high fives Josh Jackson #20 during the NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 20, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 132-130. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – OCTOBER 20: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns high fives Josh Jackson #20 during the NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 20, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 132-130. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns started the season horribly. Since then, though, there have been signs of life. The young Suns have responded to interim coach Jay Triano, and they have traded Eric Bledsoe to Milwaukee for Greg Monroe (who will likely get moved again), a first-round pick and a couple second-round picks.

This deal, in part, opened up more playing time for their young guys.

It’s going to be tough to find big minutes for both Josh Jackson and T.J. Warren, as both are ideal 4’s. Jackson has shown flashes at time this season, but will need time to fully grow into the player he will be.

Warren can score, but he struggles with his shot and on the defensive end. He is probably best suited as a sixth man off the bench. Jackson is the 3 of the future. Dragan Bender is a good small-ball 5, Marquese Chriss is best at the 5. I know it’s a logjam, and I haven’t even mentioned Alex Len, Tyson Chandler, and Jared Dudley.

Len is a solid back up, but nothing more. He is a free agent this summer; Phoenix should look to move him at the deadline, and if they can’t let him walk this summer. Chandler and Dudley can still both play a bit and are good leaders. Phoenix should look to move them anyway. They also have to open up playing time for Alan Williams when he comes back from injury. He is a solid reserve who can score.

Then, there is the point guard issue. Phoenix now only has Mike James and Tyler Ulis, who are both best as reserves. The Suns need to decide if they want to go after one in free agency, via the draft or trade. In the draft, I would take the best player available regardless of position. Phoenix has so many needs, and in the offseason, they will have money to go shopping.

As for Brandon Knight, they are stuck with him. Might as well play him when he gets back from injury.

In summary, the Suns should try trading Chandler and Dudley. They need to start Bender, Chriss, Jackson, Booker, and James together no matter how painful it is. Hold on to Booker whatever you do. Then decide if Triano is the coach of the future or not. The team seems to have responded to him, and he has improved the defense.

If Bender and Chriss can become solid starters than Phoenix is in a good place. If not at least they have six picks coming. This season started awfully, but the future is brighter than you think.

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